WBC Launches Strict Anti-Doping Program For Top Ranked Fighters

May 7, 2016

Update May 10, 2016 – VADA/WBC have now published the forms and policies behind their Clean Boxing Program.  These can be found here. WBC Clean Boxing Program Overview WBC Clean Boxing Program Prohibited List WBC Clean Boxing Program Registration and Release Form WBC Clean Boxing Program Specimen Collecitons Procedures WBC Clean Boxing Program TUE Application … More WBC Launches Strict Anti-Doping Program For Top Ranked Fighters

Study – Boxing Headgear Ban Results In “Significantly Decreased” Head Injury Rate, More Cuts

April 30, 2016

Although the Amateur International Boxing Association’s recent ban of headgear in competition has been somewhat controversial, a recent study has found the ban has resulted in fewer head injuries for competitors. The recent study, published in this month’s Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, the authors reviewed “stoppages due to blows to the head by comparing World … More Study – Boxing Headgear Ban Results In “Significantly Decreased” Head Injury Rate, More Cuts

Can a UFC Release Stop USADA Anti-Doping Consequences? Maldanado May Find Out

April 28, 2016

In an interesting development recently released UFC fighter Fabio Maldanado reportedly admitted to using DHEA, a substance banned by the UFC/USADA Anti Doping Policy, during his last UFC fight in November 2015.  Maldanado is quoted as follows – “I was in my final UFC stretch and they had random tests, I was using DHEA, because … More Can a UFC Release Stop USADA Anti-Doping Consequences? Maldanado May Find Out

Nevada Athletic Commission Takes Regulatory Lead With Fighter Brain Health

April 28, 2016

Update April 29, 2016 – Today the NSAC provided me with the following details about the policy –             Protecting the health and safety of all contestants is the most important goal of the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC).  To effectuate that goal, across the last four years the NAC has been encouraging various fighters licensed … More Nevada Athletic Commission Takes Regulatory Lead With Fighter Brain Health

Let’s Draft MMA’s “Muhammad Ali” Act

April 27, 2016

As was first reported by John Nash, the Mixed Martial Arts Fighter’s Association has approached Congressman (and former fighter) Markwayne Mullin to extend the protections professional boxers have been given through the Muhammad Ali Act to professional MMA. The Oklahoma politician is prepared to take on the cause and has recently been vocal about his belief … More Let’s Draft MMA’s “Muhammad Ali” Act

WBC Boycotts Ontario – Sites Safety Concerns With Athletic Commission

April 26, 2016

In the aftermath of an April  12, 2016 knockout loss by Mexican fighter Guillermo Herrera, who remains in a Canadian hospital dealing with the aftermath of a ruptured blood vessel in his brain, the World Boxing Counsel has issued a press release indicating they will no longer sanction bouts in Ontario, Canada citing safety concerns with … More WBC Boycotts Ontario – Sites Safety Concerns With Athletic Commission

Study – Growing Evidence of Psychiatric Consequences Following Sport Concussion in Adults

April 26, 2016

Adding to this site’s summary of safety studies regarding combat sports, a recent literature review was published in this month’s Canadian Journal of Psychiatry addressing the link between adverse psychiatric consequences and adults who suffer concussions in sport. In the article, titled “Knowing What We Don’t Know: Long-Term Psychiatric Outcomes following Adult Concussions in Sports” the … More Study – Growing Evidence of Psychiatric Consequences Following Sport Concussion in Adults

Should WADA ban Rapid Extreme Weight Cuts in Combat Sports?

April 26, 2016

In the latest voice calling for reform of rapid extreme weight cut practices in combative sports, the Journal of Sports Medicine published an argument suggesting that the World Anti Doping Agency ban include Rapid Extreme Weight Cutting as a ‘prohibited method’. The article, titled “It is Time to Ban Rapid Weight Loss from Combat Sports“ … More Should WADA ban Rapid Extreme Weight Cuts in Combat Sports?

“Enormous Damage” Requests for UFC Piracy Criticized by Court

April 24, 2016

Reasons for judgement were released this week by the United States District Court, W.D Kentucky, Lousiville with critical remarks about repeated requests for “enormous damage” requests in prosecutions involving UFC pay per view piracy. In the recent case (Joe Hand Promotions, Inc v. Hernandez) the Plaintiff sued the Defendant for displaying UFC 143 in a … More “Enormous Damage” Requests for UFC Piracy Criticized by Court

McGregor / UFC Rift and “Reasonable” Promotion

April 21, 2016

More details are coming to light about the recent turn of events between Conor McGregor and the UFC with the featherweight champion first announcing retirement, the UFC responding that he has been removed from UFC 200 for failing to cooperate with press obligations and that announced “retirement” has contractual implications. Today McGregor announced he is … More McGregor / UFC Rift and “Reasonable” Promotion