Category: Uncategorized

PEI Kickboxing Event Shutdown Demonstrates The Realities in the Post Bill S-209 World

November 24, 2013

I thought that Weyburn Saskatchewan would be the first to teach us what happens when an unsanctioned combat sport is hosted in a post Bill S-209 world but the matter is apparently still “under investigation”.  Moving East, Charlottetown PEI has just demonstrated the modern reality of what occurs when a combat sports event is planned … More PEI Kickboxing Event Shutdown Demonstrates The Realities in the Post Bill S-209 World

MMA Scoring Contraversies; Sometimes the Solution is Right Before Your Eyes

November 21, 2013

If you spend any time discussing the result of GSP’s title defense at UFC  167 there is no shortage of controversy among fans.  Some believe GSP fairly won three rounds, others say no way, others yet say if GSP won three rounds the two he lost far outweighed those.   From there many are quick … More MMA Scoring Contraversies; Sometimes the Solution is Right Before Your Eyes

The Three Biggest Legal Threats to Mixed Martial Arts

November 20, 2013

MMA has come a long way in the past 20 years and the biggest promotion in the sport has ambitious plans for continued global growth. Few things can derail ambitious plans faster, however, than foreseeable tragedy and the aftermath of subsequent litigation.  With this in mind there are three potential areas worth canvassing that have … More The Three Biggest Legal Threats to Mixed Martial Arts

Saskatchewan Athletics Commission Act Passes First Reading

November 6, 2013

Earlier this year the Government of Saskatchewan legalized amateur MMA and other combat sports and announced plans to create a Provincial Athletic Commission to address professional combat sports.  The first legislative step to make this a reality has now taken place. The Government introduced Bill 108 “An Act Respecting the Athletics Commission and Professional Contests … More Saskatchewan Athletics Commission Act Passes First Reading

When Sports Violence Collides With the Criminal Code

October 17, 2013

An interesting and often controversial topic is the overlap of the criminal law with sports violence.  MMA is not immune from this analysis as there is nothing that keeps the Criminal Code assault provisions from being triggered in appropriate circumstances.  In cases of PED abuse and intentional post bout contact, criminal prosecution is not out … More When Sports Violence Collides With the Criminal Code

City of Moncton Puts MMA, Muay Thai and Kickboxing Into Legal Limbo

October 5, 2013

As previously discussed, Bill S-209 did not make MMA legal in all of Canada, instead it made the sport illegal by default and forced Provinces to pass appropriate laws if they wished to change this.  Provinces that fail to act in a timely manner jeopardize the local landscape of the sport.  Such a situation appears … More City of Moncton Puts MMA, Muay Thai and Kickboxing Into Legal Limbo

Athletic Commissions Must Not Ignore Profound Brain Trauma

October 4, 2013

Yesterday I questioned the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services’ decision to uphold a win by Ben Rothwell after he tested positive for elevated TRT.  Dr. Johnny Benjamin was quick to identify a more important issue, the fact that a licence was issued in the first place. Rothwell was granted a Therapeutic Use Exemption … More Athletic Commissions Must Not Ignore Profound Brain Trauma

Is Ben Rothwell’s Elevated TRT Win Really a No Contest?

October 4, 2013

MMA Junkie broke the news that Ben Rothwell tested positive for elevated testosterone following his victory over Brandon Vera at UFC 164. The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, which oversaw the event, provided an Athletic Commission’s equivalent of a slap on the wrist for this violation by issuing Rothwell an ‘administrative warning’. Perhaps more … More Is Ben Rothwell’s Elevated TRT Win Really a No Contest?

“The UFC Does Not Grant TUE’s” When Entering Unregulated Markets?

September 28, 2013

When the UFC enters markets that don’t have compulsive drug tests some questions spring to mind such as what, if any, performance enhancing drugs are outlawed for such shows?  Are Therapeutic Use Exemptions ever granted and if so who is in charge of granting these? The UFC’s latest event in Ontario provided an opportunity to … More “The UFC Does Not Grant TUE’s” When Entering Unregulated Markets?