In a historic step in combat sports regulation the first ever Therapeutic Use Exemption (“TUE”) by a US based athletic commission for in-competition medical cannabis use was granted to UFC veteran Elias Theodorou. Last year Theodorou obtained a TUE for medical cannabis from the British Columbia Athletic Commission. This TUE was approved again in 2021 … More First Ever Cannabis TUE Granted By a United States Athletic Commission

Few that pay attention to the issue disagree that MMA fighters at the highest level are financially exploited compared to other professional athletes. While revenue splits around 50/50 are seen in unionized major league sports and splits north of 80/20 in favour of fighters are seen in high level boxing the money flowing to fighters … More Fighter Pay – A Simple Fix to a Complex Problem

Rapid Extreme Weight Cutting has become a norm in mixed martial arts with athletes often shedding significant pounds in the days before their official weigh ins through methods of dehydration and other extreme steps. Many have done so without consequence while others have done so to the peril of their health with numerous well documented … More UFC Performance Institute – Fighters Can “Safely” Lose 10% Body Mass During Fight Week

As reported by MMAJunkie, Bellator’s Derek Anderson was suspended by Mohegan Sun Tribe Department of Athletic Safety and Regulation for 120 days following his loss to Michael “Venom” Page at Bellator 258 on Friday. In pre bout licencing Anderson did not disclose medical problems on his pre-fight medical questionnaire. Despite this he took to social … More Fighter Suspended 120 Days For Dishonest Medical Disclosure

Further update June 9, 2021 – Today I received the full reasonsons from the NJSACB regarding their decision. I highlight these here. The official bout result is a no decision. __________________________________________________________ Update – May 10, 2021 – Today it is reported that the bout is being overturned into a no contest __________________________________________________________ Last night Renan … More Did “Self-Evident and Palpable Error” Occur in Werdum vs Ferreira Potential Tap?

Update May 5, 2021 – I contacted Jeff Novitzky who confirms he shared data on marijuana impaired driving with Florida regulators that was previously used in congressional hearings. The data includes useful information on how divorced blood and urine testing for cannabis is from documenting actual impairment. Data, including the below excerpts, proved persuasive in … More Florida Removes Cannabis As Banned Substance in Combat Sports

Imagine being a world class boxer. An Olympian. A gold medalist. Turning pro. Climbing the ranks. Fighting for a world title. And being told you have to fight two minute rounds. Imagine then seeing Jake Paul, a YouTube celebrity with no boxing background, granted a pro licence and making millions fighting other untrained boxers. As … More Sexism or Science? WBC Women Championship Rules –