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?
Update October 7, 2013 – MMAJunkie just published an article with Dr Benjamin calling for specific weight cut reforms as follows: Multiple, official, random year-round weigh-ins to establish every fighter’s “normal” weight Fighters barred from competing in a weight class that’s lighter than 90 percent of their established normal weight Short-notice (less than 30 days) … More With Tragedy At Hand, Weight Cut Reform Takes the Spotlight in MMA
When it comes to “Professional” combat sports, Section 83 of the Criminal Code makes them all illegal except a “boxing contest or mixed martial arts contest held in a province with the permission or under the authority of an athletic board, commission or similar body established by or under the authority of the province’s legislature … More Professional Muay Thai and Kickboxing Will Remain Illegal in BC
Earlier this month I discussed the bizarre landscape for Performance Enhancing Drug tests in Ontario for professional MMA contests. The folks at MiddleEasy took notice and highlighted this situation as only they can do. For those of you visiting this site for the first time, welcome! The PED situation is … More Welcome Middle Easy Readers
Earlier this year I commended Canada’s TJ Grant for doing the right thing by stepping away from a scheduled UFC title shot due to a concussive injury sustained during practice. Brain health should not be taken lightly and his choice, as difficult as it must have been, was worth positively highlighting. A second title shot … More TJ Grant Goes 2-0 When it Comes To Concussion Management
Earlier this month I analyzed the law of facial hair in MMA pointing out that New Jersey has perhaps the most extreme requirements outright banning any beard and only permitting a “closely cropped mustache. “ Section 81 of the Ontario Athletics Control Act specifically adopts the New Jersey Rules for professional MMA. I reached out to … More Ontario Softens Up Their “Cleanly Shaven” MMA Requirement
Update September 19, 2013 – After writing the below article Ontario’s Office of the Athletics Commissioner advises me that “UFC’s contract with fighters provides for random drug testing at events. At UFC 165, an OAC physician will oversee the collection of samples for the tests.” I have asked the AC’s office for a copy of the … More No Compelled Drug Tests for UFC 165?
If you’ve watched GSP’s recent fights you’ll notice a peculiar pre-fight ritual of his, spitting water on himself. After stepping into the Octagon GSP has a habit of taking a sip of water then spitting the water in the air over his head letting it land on him. Whether this is a a harmless habit … More Does GSP’s Pre Fight Water Spitting Ritual Break the Rules?
The use of marijuana by licensed MMA athletes is in the news again now that it is reported that the Nevada State Athletic Commission has raised the testing threshold of marijuana metabolites from 50 ng/mL to 150 ng/mL. This move is in line with the World Anti Doping Agency’s current policies who adopted the … More MMA Doping Laws and Medical Marijuana – Are TUE’s the Answer?
Update October 17, 2013 – It is reported that the Texas CSA declined to intervene noting ” the Texas commission responded that they don’t regulate facial hygiene.” _________________________________________________________________ MMA Junkie reports that the UFC’s Daniel Cormier has voiced the following concerns about Roy Nelson’s appearance: “The thing about the beard is it doesn’t seem to be … More The Law of Roy Nelson’s Beard
