How Many UFC Fighters Are Not Subject To Their Anti-Doping Program?

August 10, 2015

When the UFC announced their aggressive anti doping program (and to their credit the most robust in professional sports) they basically acknowledged they are unilaterally moving forward with the program and will cross legal barriers as they arise. The biggest legal barrier?  Athlete consent.  It seems some athletes simply are not contractually bound by this program … More How Many UFC Fighters Are Not Subject To Their Anti-Doping Program?

Brain Injury in Boxing Increases With Level of Competition

August 10, 2015

Getting hit in the head is not good.  How much head trauma is too much?   As the executive director of the Sports Legacy Institute tells us, nobody really knows but the connection to CTE is clearly there – What is known, however, is that trauma is cumulative and there is only so much mileage an athlete … More Brain Injury in Boxing Increases With Level of Competition

The Biggest Fight in UFC History – Not Available on Pay Per View

August 10, 2015

Battle lines are being drawn and the biggest fight in the UFC’s 20 plus year history is shaping to take place.  The fight, however, won’t be seen on pay per view, will not be consumed by millions of fans nor will it be fast paced and exciting. The fight is the timeless battle between labor … More The Biggest Fight in UFC History – Not Available on Pay Per View

Teamsters and Unite Here Seek to Organize UFC Fighters

August 6, 2015

Following the recent announcement that UFC Fighters have secured “backing” from the Teamsters, further details are coming to light. Today Unite Here has issued the following press release – Las Vegas, NV – Today, two of the largest unions in the “fight capital” of the world launched an initiative to organize MMA fighters in the … More Teamsters and Unite Here Seek to Organize UFC Fighters

USADA Doping Archives – Unintentional In Competition Ephedrine Use Leads to 2 Year Ban

August 6, 2015

UFC Fighters guilty of doping violations that are used to leniency from Athletic Commissions by using excuses such as “I took some tainted supplements” or “it must have been in an energy drink” are in for a rude awakening under the new UFC/USADA Anti-Doping Policy. There are no shortage of USADA arbitration decisions to choose … More USADA Doping Archives – Unintentional In Competition Ephedrine Use Leads to 2 Year Ban

USADA/UFC Anti-Doping Policy and Consqequences of “Prohibited Association”

August 5, 2015

Mike Coughlan,a reporter at HalfGuarded, has authored a worthwhile piece examining USADA’s “prohibited association” provisions and the problems these can create for UFC athletes. The article is worth reviewing in full and can be found here. In short, the UFC Anti-Doping Policy prohibits all athletes from associating with any “Athlete Support Person” (defined to include … More USADA/UFC Anti-Doping Policy and Consqequences of “Prohibited Association”

Let’s Talk “Disreputable” Conduct and Suspensions Arising From WSOF 22

August 2, 2015

Update September 14, 2105 – Shields admitted to regulatory misconduct at a hearing today before the NSAC.  He was not fined nor suspended but ordered to complete 50 hours of community service for his transgression. Update August 5, 2015 – the NSAC has now issued a temporary suspension to both Shields and Palhares following their … More Let’s Talk “Disreputable” Conduct and Suspensions Arising From WSOF 22

MMA Fighters Association Get Backing From Teamsters Union

July 30, 2015

The Mixed Martial Arts Fighters Association, led by lawyer Robert Maysey, has been working for almost a decade to provide a unified voice to seek reforms to benefit professional fighters. I have been advised that yesterday, at the annual Association of Boxing Commissions meeting in San Diego, it was announced that the MMAFA has now … More MMA Fighters Association Get Backing From Teamsters Union

Zuffa Sues Wanderlei Silva Alleging Defamation and Business Disparagement

July 29, 2015

This week Zuffa, parent company of the UFC, has sued Wanderlei Silva alleging defamation and business disparagement. In short, the lawsuit highlights a host of critical comments Silva made about the UFC and specifically points to comments of alleged fixed fights as crossing the line. The full claim can be found here – Zuffa Lawsuit Wanderlei … More Zuffa Sues Wanderlei Silva Alleging Defamation and Business Disparagement