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

Today the ABC announced the cancellation of their 2020 annual conference which was scheduled to take place this July in Sacramento, California. The full announcement below: We regret to inform you that the 32nd Annual Conference scheduled for July 23rd-July 30th in Sacramento, California will be canceled. This is the first time in 32 years … More Association of Boxing Commissions Cancels 2020 Annual Conference

In British Columbia professional and amateur MMA events along with various other combative sports are regulated by the office of the BC Athletic Commissioner.  Individual City’s were stripped of the ability to self regulate events however they enjoy the power to ban professional combat sports if they wish.  Such a proposed ban was up for … More Surrey BC’s Proposed MMA Ban Defeated

Overturning a combat sports bout result is a difficult exercise.  Although the criteria can vary somewhat from jurisdiction to jurisdiction generally successful appeals are limited to cases of proven collusion, scorecard math errors or misapplication of relevant rules.  Exercising discretion (even if other officials may have exercised their discretion differently) rarely gives rise to a … More Virginia Dismisses Ion Cutelaba TKO Loss Appeal

Professional sports, along with many other industries, have closed their doors doing their part to flatten the curve in the face of the Covid-19 global pandemic. The government of Florida, however, has now opened the door to allow certain sports to resume operations in their State designating them as ‘essential services’. In a memorandum dated … More Florida Designates “Professional Sports” As An Essential Service

It is rumoured that UFC 249 will take place at the Tachi Palace Casino resort in Lemoore California.  The venue is owned and operated by the Tachi-Yokut Tribe.  Like other tribal jurisdictions independence is enjoyed from State laws relating to combative sports. The Tachi Palace Casino announced on March 20, 2020 that they were suspending … More Comments on UFC 249 from the CSAC, ABC and ARP

Last month in the face of the evolving Covid-19 global pandemic the Association of Ringside Physicians recommended “that all governing bodies in combat sports adhere to current CDC guidelines regarding mass gatherings“. This week the ARP tightened their position and flat out stated that “all” combat sports events should be suspended until further notice.  They sensibly … More Association of Ringside Physicians Recommends Suspension of “All” Combat Sports Events

Promoters agree to promote and fighters agree to fight.   In the midst of the Corona Virus global pandemic, however, neither are likely to be able to fulfill their obligations. So what happens if a fighter refuses to compete at a scheduled event because of the pandemic or if a promoter refuses to try to host … More Fighter Contracts and Covid 19 – The Law of “Force Majeure” and “Frustration”