Combat Sports Law

Reasons for judgement were published this month in New York clearing the path for a medical malpractice claim against a ringside physician to proceed to trial. In 2013 boxer Magomed Abdusalamov lost a unanimous decision to Mike Perez which took place at the Theater at Madison Square Garden.  Abdusalamov suffered a brain bleed in the … More Court Clears Path to Trial for Medical Malpractice Claim Against Ringside Physician

This week reasons for judgement were released dismissing much of Mark Hunt’s doping lawsuit against the UFC and others following his bout with Brock Lesnar at UFC 200.  All claims were dismissed except his allegation of breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Of particular interest to me were the court’s … More Court – Combat Sports Athletes Consent to Fight Doping Competitors

Earlier this week the Nevada Athletic Commission granted Jon Jones a one fight licence clearing him to compete on March 2, 2019 at UFC 235. Last month Jones was scheduled to compete in Nevada for UFC 232 but the event was swiftly moved to California after USADA, the UFC’s privately contracted anti-doping watchdog, notified the Nevada … More Why Nevada Was Within Their Rights on the Jon Jones Situation

Update February 19, 2019 – Today it was reported that Zingano’s appeal was dismissed. ________________________________________________ Today MMAJunkie reports that Cat Zingano has filed an appeal of her TKO loss stemming from UFC 232. At the event Zingano was kicked in the face.  During the strike a toe from Megan Anderson contacted Zingano’s eye causing injury … More Cat Zingano Appeals Toe in Eye TKO Loss – The Legal Landscape in Place

Today, with just 6 days notice, the UFC announced that they are moving UFC 232 from Nevada to California.  Why?  Because Nevada would not licence Jon Jones.  Last Thursday USADA, the UFC’s privately contracted anti-doping watchdog, notified the Nevada Athletic Commission that Jones tested positive for a metabolite of DHCMT in an out of competition … More Regulatory Thoughts on the UFC’s Sudden Venue Swap from Nevada to California