Update February 17, 2017 – Today USADA ‘cleared’ Justino from the alleged violation granting her a retroactive TUE for physician prescribed Spironolactone.  The press released noted as follows: In the case of Justino, the application for a TUE was granted because the athlete had an unequivocally diagnosed chronic medical condition for which the use of Spironolactone … More Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino Notified of Potential Doping Violation

In August 2016 members of the Association of Boxing Commissions overwhelmingly voted in support to amend MMA’s so called ‘unified rules’. The ABC aimed for a timeline for the new rules to come into force on January 1, 2017. While the consensus for change was near unanimous the vote itself was not binding on any … More John McCarthy Explains MMA’s Updated “Unified Rules”

Earlier this week the Nevada State Athletic Commission accepted settlement agreements for Nate Diaz, Jon Jones and Brock Lesnar. Diaz was issued a $50,000 fine (2.5% of his purse) and given 50 hours of community service for throwing a water bottle at Conor McGregor at a pre-fight press conference. Jon Jones received a one year … More Full Nate Diaz, Jon Jones and Brock Lesnar Settlement Agreements

Update December 14, 2016 – Today I spoke with Andy Foster, Executive Director of the CSAC, who advised that the CSAC is not requiring C3 testing as part of the formal licencing application, however they will be conducting a number of tests over the next year and studying the data. He confirms that the CSAC … More California Adopts C3 Neurological Testing For Combat Sports Athletes

Although there is only one definitively diagnosed case of CTE in MMA there are many suspected cases (which can only be certainly diagnosed with brain autopsy upon death). Today, Dr. Ann McKee, a neurologist and Director of the CTE Center at the Boston University School of Medicine gave sobering testimony to Congressional Subcommittee on Commerce, … More Director of CTE Center Explains Disease’s Link to MMA

Today a Congressional hearing is taking place discussing Mixed Martial Arts in the context of considering the Muhammad Ali Expansion Act. Hearing overview document Statement of Jeff Novitzky Dr. Ann McKee Statement Lydia Robertson Statement Statement of Randy Couture You can watch the hearings here

An unusual ending occurred between Jake Ellenberger and Jorge Masvidal during the UFC’s TUF 24 finale card which took place in Las Vegas on December 3, 2016. Ellenberger slipped and his left foot wedged between the mat and the bottom fence..  Masvidal proceeded to (legally) reign down strikes until referee Herb Dean called timeout.  He inquired if … More The Ellenberger Appeal – Legal Principles in Play