Last month I had the pleasure of being interviewed along with 2020 US Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang by Loretta Hunt who was researching why the Ali Act may be expanded to include Mixed Martial Arts and what this could mean for the sport. Hunt’s article, “Andrew Yang wants to take the fight to Dana … More Welcome The Guardian Readers – Ali Act to MMA?

In 2014 UFC president Dana White stated that “nobody’s ever been hurt” from Rapid Extreme Weight Cut practices in MMA. This of course is not true with both deaths and numerous and growing documented injuries being associated with the practice. In addition to the documented cases of athlete harm, the UFC themselves have compiled substantial … More UFC Performance Institute Notes “Considerable Risk” Weight Cuts Happen “All Too Often”

When it comes to brain trauma and certain facial lacerations there is much consensus as to when a combat sport should be stopped. When it comes to other physical injuries there is no universal consensus for when ringside physicians should bring a contest to an end. In the latest issue of the Journal of Combat … More Do Combat Sports Need “NO-GO” Criteria For Orthopaedic Injuries?

In the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic the Association of Ringside Physicians noted that all combat sports events should be suspended. Shortly thereafter they softened this stance noting if events resume that “COVID-19 precautions should be actively developed, regularly reviewed and modified based on the evolving knowledge and scientific evidence put forth by public … More Ringside Physicians Release “Universal Precautions” for Fights During Covid-19

Last night, in an ongoing online spat with Israel Adesanya, Jon Jones admitted to the long held rumor that he previously avoided drug testing efforts by hiding under an MMA cage. Now I’m not suggesting Nevada is going to do anything about this. Perhaps they will try. Perhaps they will let ancient history slide. However, … More Why Hiding Under the Octagon to Avoid Nevada Drug Tests is a Poor Choice

One trend emerging during the Covid-19 pandemic is fighters taking short notice bouts and subsequently failing in competition doping tests for cannabis. Are these fighters competing while high? Probably not. Are they simply failing in competition tests based on legal out of competition use? This is a likely explanation. Its important to remember in many … More A Simple Fix For Combat Sports and Cannabis

Today the Texas Department of Licencing and Regulation announced a phased re-opening of combat sports in the State. The announcement notes venues will be subject to 50% capacity and that approved events are subject to cancellation with the agency monitoring “factors including positive test rates and hospitalization rates in the area where the event is … More Texas Announces Phased Re-Opening of Combat Sports Events

Jessica-Rose Clark defeated Sarah Alpar by TKO (Strikes, Round 3, 4:21) at UFC on ESPN+36 this weekend.  Shortly prior to the official stoppage Clark struck Alpar with a knee to the head as Alpar was precariously close to being grounded. Referee Chris Tognoni believed a foul occurred and called time out. As Alpar was recovering … More Let’s Once Again Talk Nevada’s Actual Instant Replay Rule And Clark vs Alpar Stoppage

Today an interesting article was published by The Athletic with various physicians and experts commenting on knockouts in combat sports. In the article, titled “Explained: What Happens to a Fighter’s Brain After Suffering a KO?” one of the experts interviewed voiced a controversial opinion that certain ‘flash knockouts‘ can occur without any brain trauma at … More Do “Flash Knockouts” Happen Without Brain Trauma?

Update – September 16, 2020 – This morning Michael Mazzulli, Director of the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation responded as follows – “Presently I am not requiring any other tests (EKG is required) but my medical staff updates me on a daily bases with new protocol.” ____________________________________________________ Regulators around Canada and the United States … More What is the Standard of Care for Licencing Fighters After They’ve “Recovered” From Covid-19?