MMA's Added Danger

Just as UFC and other MMA branches attempt time and time again to clean up their act, someone had to drop the ball. An article in today's Los Angeles Times by Bill Dwyre stated that a fighter was allowed to fight on March 7th in Tulare, CA despite testing positive for Hepatitis C and having no previous tests for HIV.

Way to go guys. According to Dwyre's article, the California State Athletic Commission (SCAC) did not send the memo to Al Joslin (promoter for the fight) or any of the fighters that were on the card that night. I find this bizarre and a slap in the face to everyone involved that night. From the fighters and promoters, to the fans and the ring girls, they all had a right to know the added danger they were in. To add salt to the wound, the fighters pay the state to be protected from these circumstances.

What genius in the commission thought that this whole thing was a good idea? Let's let a fighter who has a life-threatening blood borne disease fight and not tell anyone. What a great idea! Even better, in another 4 months, we'll send a memo to some people (probably those that give money to the state) but not the fighters that bring in the crowds. That'll show we're responsible and protecting people. Never in any sport have I seen such a lack of respect for its players. When Vicente Padilla was diagnosed with swine flu, the Texas Rangers GM didn't hold onto this and just tell the coach, the entire team knew. It's called protecting your investment. Maybe Dave Thornton, the Interim Executive Officer and author of the memo, should have taken some notes.

To make the commission look even worse, they refuse to comment or be contacted. Dwyre's article states the Times have attempted to contact Thornton and have come up empty for the past 3 days. It's difficult for me to fathom any of the fighters giving any money to the commission after this.

My recommendation for the fighters and promoters, fight elsewhere, as much as it pains the Californian in me, I cannot justify my own selfish desire to see MMA live for the safety of the fighters and people involved.

Dana White of the UFC has managed to take his sport from the equivalent of human pit bull fights, to a respectful sport that tours the world and holds events overseas. On top of that, White takes care of his fighters and offers health care benefits to all of his fighters. Someone inside the commission should give Dana White's business card to Mr. Thornton.