Today the UFC’s private anti doping partner USADA announced that Bruno Arruda da Silva was handed a 2 year suspension for ingesting boldenone. Arruda da Silva tested positive for boldenone and its metabolite as the result of a urine sample collected out-of-competition on May 27, 2019. Arruda da Silva denied wrongdoing and blamed the ingestion … More Bruno Arruda da Silva hit With 2 Year UFC Anti Doping Suspension for Boldenone

British Columbians have much to be proud about with their handling of the Covid-19 Pandemic.  As of today there are 183 known active cases of COVID-19 in the province with only 13 individuals hospitalized with the illness.  Better yet there are regions of the Province, like Vancouver Island, without a single known active case. Against … More BC Athletic Commission Releases Combat Sports “Restart Plan”

Update June 12, 2020 – I reached out to both USADA and to the UFC’s Jeff Novitzky and asked them to share any studies or other data they have that can speak to PED’s being transmitted through sexual contact.  They shared the following articles: Potential Seminal Transport of Pharmaceuticals to the Conceptus The Transport of … More Boxer “not at fault” for Doping Violation With Substance Linked To “Sexual Transmission”

Today the California State Athletic Commission passed emergency procedures allowing combat sports to resume.  These set the parameters for when events can be held “When an Infectious Disease Causes a State of Emergency“. I have checked with Andy Foster, the Executive Director of the CSAC, who confirms that “They have passed.” Below are the full … More California Passes Emergency Procedures Clearing Way For Combat Sports to Resume

Update – Nevada has now responded to my public records request.  Here are their full Covid 19 Protocols NSAC PROTOCOLS PCR ONLY FOR EVENTS WITHOUT FANS ________________________________________________________   Today the Nevada Athletic Commission (“NAC”) cleared the way for combat sports events to proceed in the State during the ongoing pandemic. Specifically they approved “COVID-19 protocols, … More Nevada Approves Combat Sports Events Without An Audience in the Covid19 Era

Update May 20, 2020 – today the MMAJA released a further statement shedding light on the fact that the UFC has apparently modified their non-disparagement contracts with media but the revised language is still too restrictive for the MMAJA’s liking.  Below is their updated statement: The officers of the MMA Journalists Association are aware of … More MMA Journalists Association Tells Members “Not To Sign” UFC Non-Disparagement Contract

The responsible regulation of combat sports is a difficult task even in normal times.  The job becomes particularly challenging during a global pandemic.  Following UFC 249 several physicians deeply experienced with combative sports have voiced key information that ringside physicians ought to be aware of and ought to make commissions aware of for events taking … More Safe Combat Sports in a Pandemic? Experienced Fight Doctors Speak Up

Today the UFC’s privately hired anti-doping partner USADA announced that Kelvin Gastelum accepted a suspension for his second violation of the anti doping policy. Gastelum tested positive for THC above permissible in competition limits at UFC 244 which took place in New York.   He accepted a nine-month period of ineligibility which began on November 3, … More Kelvin Gastelum Accepts 9 Month USADA Suspension For Second Marijuana Violation

UFC 249 took place this weekend.  The first major sport to get back to business following the Covid-19 public health related lockdown.  A bold and controversial move.  Despite one athlete being removed from the card after he and his cornermen tested positive for Covid-19 the event appears to have been a success with even the … More Thoughts on UFC 249 And Waiver Controversies

In March and April 2020 the Association of Ringside Physicians took increasingly strong views on the safety of live combat sports events during the Covid-19 pandemic and ultimately recommended “all” events be postponed.  With the slow march to reopening the economy and Florida declaring pro sports with a national audience an ‘essential service’ the ARP … More Association of Ringside Physicians Soften Stance on Live Combat Sports Events