Combat Sports Law

Overturning a combat sports bout result is a difficult exercise.  Although the criteria can vary somewhat from jurisdiction to jurisdiction generally successful appeals are limited to cases of proven collusion, scorecard math errors or misapplication of relevant rules.  Exercising discretion (even if other officials may have exercised their discretion differently) rarely gives rise to a … More Virginia Dismisses Ion Cutelaba TKO Loss Appeal

Professional sports, along with many other industries, have closed their doors doing their part to flatten the curve in the face of the Covid-19 global pandemic. The government of Florida, however, has now opened the door to allow certain sports to resume operations in their State designating them as ‘essential services’. In a memorandum dated … More Florida Designates “Professional Sports” As An Essential Service

It is rumoured that UFC 249 will take place at the Tachi Palace Casino resort in Lemoore California.  The venue is owned and operated by the Tachi-Yokut Tribe.  Like other tribal jurisdictions independence is enjoyed from State laws relating to combative sports. The Tachi Palace Casino announced on March 20, 2020 that they were suspending … More Comments on UFC 249 from the CSAC, ABC and ARP

Last month in the face of the evolving Covid-19 global pandemic the Association of Ringside Physicians recommended “that all governing bodies in combat sports adhere to current CDC guidelines regarding mass gatherings“. This week the ARP tightened their position and flat out stated that “all” combat sports events should be suspended until further notice.  They sensibly … More Association of Ringside Physicians Recommends Suspension of “All” Combat Sports Events

Promoters agree to promote and fighters agree to fight.   In the midst of the Corona Virus global pandemic, however, neither are likely to be able to fulfill their obligations. So what happens if a fighter refuses to compete at a scheduled event because of the pandemic or if a promoter refuses to try to host … More Fighter Contracts and Covid 19 – The Law of “Force Majeure” and “Frustration”

In August, 2019 the BC Government announced plans to legalize pro kickboxing in the Province.  To do the Minister’s Athletic Commissioner Regulation required amendment. Today the office of the BC Athletic Commissioner announced that Professional Kickboxing is now legal in the Province as the relevant regulatory amendments were made. Specifically Ministerial Order M072 was passed … More Pro Kickboxing Officially Legal in BC

With most combat sports promotions respecting public health warnings and government directives to cancel events amidst the ever growing Covid-19 pandemic others are still looking for creative ways to keep shows going. This week the Association of Ringside Physicians, arguably the leading voice when it comes to the standard of care for safety in combative … More Association of Ringside Physicians Officially Support Cancellation of Combat Sports Events

After putting on one of the best title bouts in the UFC’s history defending champion Weili Zhang earned a split decision over Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 248.  The champions pay was reported at $200,000. Zhang was paid what she was contracted and she signed her contract with whatever leverage she had at the time.  Realistically … More Why Weili Zhang is Worth Millions for Her Next UFC Bout