No Pro Kickboxing in the Forseeable Future for British Columbia

March 19, 2015

With Glory 20 scheduled to take place in Dubai on April 3, 2015, British Columbia’s very own Gabriel Varga is scheduled to compete for the promotion’s featherweight world title. Despite this accomplishment Varga cannot compete professionally in his own backyard and this situation does not appear likely to change anytime soon. You can click here … More No Pro Kickboxing in the Forseeable Future for British Columbia

Boxing Death Brings the Usual Questions Instead of the Important One

March 18, 2015

This weekend previously undefeated Australian featherweight boxer Braydon Smith died following a 10 round decision loss to John Vincent Moralde.  Death is no stranger to boxing with the risks being well documented.  Following combat sports deaths this is how the media conversation typically goes – 1. Stories of the fatality break with the usual sympathies … More Boxing Death Brings the Usual Questions Instead of the Important One

Coker – Rampage Compensated Over $1 Million, “Manufactured” Contract Breach

March 13, 2015

Litigation is perhaps the one avenue which sheds the most light on business practices in combat sports and more details are emerging through the ongoing contract dispute between Bellator and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. In support of their desired injunction Bellator President Scott Coker filed a Certification with the Superior Court of New Jersey which provides … More Coker – Rampage Compensated Over $1 Million, “Manufactured” Contract Breach

Cody McKenzie 3 Month Head Butt Suspension Upheld on Appeal

March 13, 2015

Following a first round disqualification loss due to an intentional head butt at World Series of Fighting 18, Cody McKenzie was handed a 3 month licence suspension by the Edmonton Combative Sports Commission. McKenzie appealed the decision and his appeal was dismissed this week with the Hearing Panel holding as follows: “In his February 26, … More Cody McKenzie 3 Month Head Butt Suspension Upheld on Appeal

“Why Is It Every Sport Has Some Type of Union and Boxing Don’t”

March 11, 2015

“Champs“, a documentary focusing on Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and Bernard Hopkins, is set for a 2015 theatrical release.  The movie examines the underbelly of the business of combat sports and at the 1:33 mark of the recently released trailer one fighter is quoted saying “Why is it every sport has some type of Union … More “Why Is It Every Sport Has Some Type of Union and Boxing Don’t”

UFC 174 PPV Piracy Results in $25,000 Judgement

March 9, 2015

Adding to this site’s list of judgments addressing piracy of UFC PPV products reasons for judgement were released last month by the US District Court, D. Colorado, assessing damages after the commercial piracy of UFC 174. In last month’s case (Joe Hand Promotions, Inc. v. Poarch) the Defendant operated a commercial establishment and displayed UFC … More UFC 174 PPV Piracy Results in $25,000 Judgement

NSAC Files Answering Brief In Wanderlei Silva Drug Testing Case

March 6, 2015

In the ongoing legal saga involving Wanderlei Silva ducking an out of competition drug test by the Nevada State Athletic Commission the Commission has now filed their answering brief arguing that they have the right to test unarmed combatants out of competition, even if they are not presently licensed, if a bout involving that athlete … More NSAC Files Answering Brief In Wanderlei Silva Drug Testing Case

Fixing “Oppressive” MMA Fighter Contracts

March 4, 2015

Today Paul Gift at BloodyElbow.com wrote an involved piece analyzing the restrictive terms contained in Zuffa and Bellator fighter contracts.  The article should be read in full for anyone interested in the business of MMA. Paul concludes that if these practices are widespread and the industry norm the current anti-trust lawsuits against Zuffa are facing … More Fixing “Oppressive” MMA Fighter Contracts

MMA Regulators Grapple with UFC’s Planned Anti Doping Program

March 4, 2015

Last month I addressed some practical barriers for the UFC’s planned random anti doping program. The announced program has caught the eye of State and Provincial Athletic Commissions who, although welcome the changes, are grappling with the legalities of using the privately obtained information in a regulatory context. MixedMartialArts.com quotes the Association of Boxing Commissions … More MMA Regulators Grapple with UFC’s Planned Anti Doping Program

Victorian Government Lifts Ban on Cages in MMA

March 4, 2015

Victoria, Australia’s most densely populated State, has not been a friendly venue for the UFC as the Government allowed MMA but banned events from taking place in a cage.  This prohibition kept the UFC out of the Country’s second largest City due to their desire to only hold events in their trademarked ‘Octagon”..  After years … More Victorian Government Lifts Ban on Cages in MMA