Two arbitration judgements were released today documenting an anti-doping issue involving released UFC fighter Gilbert Melendez.  Of interest the decisions address when USADA has jurisdiction over a fighter who has been released by the UFC. In short Melendez tested positive for GHRP-6 and its metabolites GHRP-6(2-5)-OH and GHRP-6(2-6)-OH as the result of a urine sample … More Gilbert Melendez Handed 2 year Doping Ban For Violation After Being Released From UFC

Adding to this database of combat sports safety studies, a paper was recently published in the journal of Human Kinetics noting that there is no statistical advantage to athletes who outweigh their opponents via rapid extreme weight loss/gain practices in MMA. In the recent study, titled Worth the Weight? Post Weigh-In Rapid Weight Gain is Not … More Study – Weight Advantages From Weight Cutting/Gaining Non Factor in Bout Outcomes

Cornerwork in MMA has come under scrutiny in recent weeks.  When should seconds stop a fight?  Who should be qualified to work as a second?  Can seconds be legally accountable if they fail to protect their fighters? As with many things in combat sports the legal requirements are not consistent and vary widely from jurisdiction … More Are Seconds Legally Liable For Fighter Injuries?

In one of the rare examples of an appeal succeeding after a controversial bout result in MMA, Chas Skelly successfully had a TKO loss overturned to a no contest. Kelly fought Bobby Moffett at UFC Fight Night 139 on November 10, 2018.  The bout ended in round 2 when referee Tim Mills stopped the contest … More Chas Skelly Successfully Appeals TKO Loss With Colorado Athletic Commission

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