• ALL PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS CONFIRMED AS MEDICALLY CLEARED TO COMPETE
• FOR SATURDAY 3RD OCTOBER 2015

(London.30th September 2015) It has been confirmed by medical consultancy and services provider, Safe MMA, that the professional fight card of new signee British Challenge Mixed Martial Arts has been medically cleared for Saturday’s BCMMA 12 at Charter Hall in Colchester, Essex (UK).

British Challenge Mixed Martial Arts is working with the United Kingdom Mixed Martial Arts Federation to meet full sanctioning requirements for 2016, which include following Safe MMA medical protocol. The promotion has also hired UKMMAF trained and certified officials for the event, at which further peer assessment will be carried out. Sanctioning inspectors will also be present to oversee proceedings and to give feedback post-event as part of the partnership.

BCMMA co-promoter, Jack Mason, said:

“We at BCMMA just want to say thank you to all the fighters competing on the card for being so professional in getting their bloods and medicals done so promptly, and for the help from the Safe MMA staff, that have enabled us to get the green light for the show with half a week to spare. This is a big step forward for a small grass roots show like BCMMA and it’s a great achievement for our first Safe MMA event. We are really looking forward to Saturday night and an incredible night of MMA action that includes UFC veterans, international competition and the cream of local talent.”

The UKMMAF issued this statement:

“Many regional shows have been tentative to commit to recommended minimum safety standards, which promoters and gyms owe to the athlete. BCMMA promoters Jack Mason and Chris Cook have disproved cynics by coming through with flying colours and without fuss in ensuring that their professional fighters have all met basic medical criteria, such as passing a general physical examination and clearing blood tests for viruses that include HIV. They have successfully managed the cost of hiring a fully equipped and qualified doctor led medical team for the show, essential to managing any medical emergency. BCMMA 12 is a flagship event in the UK in terms of raising the bar for British MMA in 2015. We thank the athletes, coaches, managers and the BCMMA team for their commitment, especially in the face of late fight card changes, and wish everyone the best of luck for Saturday night.”

See below for the complete list of Safe MMA professional competitors for BCMMA 12:

• Alexandre Roumette
• Andy Young
• Corrin Eaton
• Craig Powell
• Elias Boudegzdame
• James Pennington
• John Maguire
• Luis Gonzalez
• Stephen Martin
• Tony Hall

FOR 19TH SEPTEMBER, DUBLIN

(London.20th September 2015)  The fight card for BAMMA 22 in Dublin, Ireland, was medically approved by Safe MMA for Saturday’s show at the 3 Arena.

The event was held under Safe MMA Ireland guidelines and was shadow sanctioned for the first time by the Irish Amateur Pankration Association, which is the governing body for mixed martial arts in the Republic of Ireland and affiliated with IMMAF (the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation). IMMAF representative, Alistair Pettitt, was in attendance to support the IAPA.

See below for the complete list of Safe MMA professional competitors for BAMMA 22.

See here for the complete current Safe MMA fighters register: https://safemmauk.wordpress.com/safe-mma-fighters-list/

SAFE MMA PROFESSIONAL COMPETITORS FOR BAMMA 22:

Adam Caffrey
Alan Philpott
Alexandre Leite
Arnaud Dos Santos
Brendan Loughnane
Catherine Costigan
Celine Haga
Chris Fields
Christopher Jacquelin
Conor Cooke
Conor Dillon
Darren O’Gorman
Dylan Tuke
Frans Mlambo
Gerard Gilmore
Hatice Ozyurt
Jack Grant
Jack McGann
John Redmond
Jonathan Dargan
Kane Mousah
Karl Moore
Keith Coady
Lukasz Parobiec
Marc Diakiese
Mark Andrew
Myles Price
Patrick Wixted
Paul Byrne
Paul Craig
Regis Sugden
Rhys McKee
Rick Selvarajah
Sean Tobin
Sinead Kavanagh
Stephen Coll
Tim Wilde
Tom Duquesnoy

Brazilian website Primeiro Round recently told the story of Brazilian strawweight fighter Kinberly Novaes who withdrew from an upcoming bout scheduled for Aug. 21 after difficulty with her weight cut lead the fighter to discover she was six months pregnant.

Novaes then remembered that she had competed earlier this year on May 17, and realized she would have been 12 weeks pregnant at the time of winning the Noxii 115-pound title in Brazil. R

Read more: http://www.immaf.org/brazilian-fighter-wins-title-while-12-weeks-pregnant/

(London.10th August.15)  Safe MMA has announced the disbanding of its founding board, as it reforms solely as a non-profit and volunteer led medical advisory group and service provider.

The move sees Safe MMA UK defer to the United Kingdom Mixed Martial Arts Federation (UKMMAF) Board for leadership from within the UK MMA community. It will continue with its functions as a medical advisory to the UKMMAF Board and Committees, as well as a medical service provider to promoters and registered athletes.

The Safe MMA doctors group will continue its ongoing review work and will continue to hold periodical Medical Focus Groups. Any doctor with experience in the provision of medical care within mixed martial arts is invited to apply to join the peer group.

The restructure comes at logical point in time as the UKMMAF continues to expand its very active interim board and committees, and has made significant progress in establishing the core foundations of a governing body for the sport. The UKMMAF also won the rights for the United Kingdom to host the upcoming IMMAF European Open Championships of Amateur MMA from 19^th – 22^nd November in Birmingham. The UKMMAF will be the sanctioning organisation for the international tournament, which will be broadcast post-event on UFC FIGHT PASS and international television.

Safe MMA founder and international referee Marc Goddard continues to sit on the UKMMAF Board alongside medical representative, Dr. Maeve Rodgers. Newest Safe MMA Board Member, Simon Rushton, will join the UKMMAF Sanctioning Committee as Safe MMA events liaison for member promoters. The first democratic, member elections for UKMMAF Board Directors are set to take place in 2016.

Medical advice and proposed developments will be communicated to UKMMAF promoters via the UKMMAF, and promoters will be consulted via periodical promoters’ focus groups.

Safe-MMA Ireland and existing member promotions that are not affiliated with the UKMMAF will continue in their existing relationship with Safe MMA as a non- profit, service provider.

UFC Cutman Joe Clifford  presents Safe MMA approved Sports Combat First Aid Course on 13th September in  the Republic of Ireland.

The course takes place at Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links  in Dublin, with a course fee of €70.

The 2 Year Certification  course is also recognised by the Irish Heart Foundation and American Heart Foundation

• CPR & AED (Defibrillator)
• Concussion
• Wound Care & Bleeding e.g. Laceration, Hematoma,
• Epitaxis (Nose Bleeds) e.g. anterior and posterior nose bleeds with septal hematoma.

Contact Joe Clifford at irish.cutman@gmail.com
Visit the Event Page on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/events/458431594328785/

• FOR TONIGHT – 27TH JUNE 2015

(London.27th June 2015) The fight card for MACTO Championships is close to being fully approved by Safe MMA at time of writing, for tonight’s first event. It is expected that all professional fighters will have been medically certified by time of competition at the MK Arena in Milton Keynes.

Just one set of annual medical results for an athlete is pending following a pre-fight doctor’s examination; and one set of blood results for a possible very late replacement has been sent to the Safe MMA doctors for review.

The MACTO team has worked extremely hard to ensure that all tonight’s professional fighters have undergone a medical examination and blood tests to ensure that they are medically fit and safe to compete. The event will be ran according to Safe MMA medical protocol.

See below for the complete list of professional competitors for tonight’s MACTO Championships:

PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS FOR MACTO CHAMPIONSHIPS:

• Alex Montagnani
• Avi Jack
• Charlie Simmons
• Dan Edwards
• Dante Hawkins
• David Round
• Dean Amasinger
• Denniston Sutherland
• Ffion Davies
• Kamil Bazelak
• Kyle Redfearn
• Mark Sainci
• Michael Piszczek
• Nick Osipczak
• Oli Thompson
• Sam Creasey
• Samantha Jean-Francoise
• Sunny Sandhu

• FOR TONIGHT – 13TH JUNE 2015
• ON SPIKE TV UK

Official Safe MMA T-Shirts available from: www.impactlpa.com

(London.13th June 2015) Pending one final set of medical results, tonight’s BAMMA 21 fight card is close to being fully approved by Safe MMA at time of writing. All professional fighters will have been medically certified by time of competition at the Barclaycard Arena event in Birmingham.

BAMMA continues to work with the United Kingdom Mixed Martial Arts Federation (UKMMAF), for whom meeting Safe MMA criteria is a key component.

See below for the complete list of professional competitors for BAMMA 21.

PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS FOR BAMMA 21:

• Andy Devent
• Cheick Kone
• Mark Godbeer
• Paul Taylor
• Clayton Henriques
•  Jack McGann
• Mike Brightmon
• Rob  Sinclair
• Shay Walsh
• Gaz Pilot
• Harry Marple
• Sergiu Berdila
• Tom Aspinall
•  Stuart Austin
• Wayne Drake
• Tobias Reid
• Ashley Pollard
• Thomas Denham
• Damian Frankiewicz
• Mike Grundy
• Jamie Powell
• Arnaud Dos Santos

FOR TONIGHT – 6TH JUNE 2015

(London.6th June 2015) Safe MMA has medically approved the Professional fight card for tonight’s Battle Zone Fighting Championshipsas it returns to The Regency Hotel in Dublin for its 13th event.  

Battle Zone FC showcases MMA at both Professional and Amateur levels. All fighters will undergo pre and post-fight medical examinations, and the event will operate according to Safe MMA protocol.

See below for the complete list of Safe MMA cleared Professional competitors for Battle Zone FC 13:

SAFE MMA FIGHTERS FOR BATTLE ZONE FC 13:

• Darren O’Gorman
• Gavin Kelly
• Jonathan Dargan
• Karl Roche
• Paul Lawrence
• Viktoras Kontrimas

(London.31st May 2015)  Voluntary medical advisory organisation, Safe MMA, welcomes MACTO Championships as a member.

British promotion, MACTO, has pledged that its launch event at ArenaMK in Milton Keynes on 27th June will operate according to Safe MMA medical guidelines. This includes the presence of a doctor to carry out pre and post fight medical examinations for all competing athletes, and a commitment to submitting medical results and suspensions to Safe MMA.

Safe MMA will also sanction all professional MMA bouts on the card, for which athletes need to be cleared to compete in advance by Safe MMA doctors, following an annual medical examination and blood tests.

The full criteria for Safe MMA promotions can be found in the Safe MMA Member’s Agreement: http://bit.ly/1u48rsd

MACTO directors, Wad Alameddine and Ross Laurence have worked closely with Safe MMA previously in their capacities as fighter managers, while Ross Laurence’s sportswear brand, Impact LPA, is an apparel partner of Safe MMA. Official Safe MMA T-Shirts are available from: www.impactlpa.com

MACTO Director of Communications, Chris Emmanuel, said:

“We are committed to the promotion of professionalism within the industry, with athlete safety of paramount importance. Safe MMA provides the necessary framework to ensure that our fighters are protected whilst competing at MACTO Championships. The decision for us to join Safe MMA was swift and unanimous. We look forward to a continuous working relationship, as both MACTO Championships and Safe MMA work in conjunction to improve the sport we all love.”

For more about MACTO Championships visit http://www.mactochampionships.com/

About MACTO Championships

MACTO Championships is a UK based sports promotion, specialising in the creation of combat events of unrivalled quality. Headquartered in the Midlands of the UK, MACTO provides a platform for both established and rising stars of the combat world to showcase their talents in a safe, professional environment. As an evolution of the highly successful Too Much Talent (TMT) promotion, MACTO retains the ethos of TMT, ‘doing it better’. The core management team comes from a broad spectrum of industry; the skill set is wide ranging, allowing MACTO to draw on an array of abilities to create the ultimate in sports entertainment.

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FOR TONIGHT – 28th MARCH 2015

(London.28th March 2015) Tonight’s BAMMA 19 at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool (UK) is medically sanctioned by Safe MMA. All professional fighters on the card have been approved to compete by Safe MMA doctors. 

BAMMA continues to work towards independent sanctioning in partnership with the United Kingdom Mixed Martial Arts Federation (UKMMAF), for which meeting Safe MMA criteria is a component. 

See below for the complete list of Safe MMA clear competitors for BAMMA 19.

SAFE MMA FIGHTERS FOR BAMMA 19:

• Andy De-Vent
• Brendan Loughnane
• Bryan Creighton
• Conor Cooke
• Damian Frankiewicz
• Damian Stasiak
• David Johnson
• Jack McGann
• Satisch Jhamai
• Jeremy Petley
• Kamil Bazelak
• Karl Etherington
• Lewis Monarch
• Marc Diakiese
• Mark Godbeer
• Martin Stapleton
• Mike Grundy
• Nathan Jones
• Oskar Somerfeld
• Paul Douglas
• Sam Creasey
• Steve Polifonte
• Thomas Denham
• Tom Aspinall

Thursday 26th February

Institute of Sport, Exercise & Health, 170 Tottenham Court Road, London (UK)

In Attendance:

Safe MMA

Dr Jack Kreindler  (Board member)
Professor Dan Healy  (Board member/ SafeMMA Ireland)
John Gooden  (Board member)
Simon Rushton (Board member)
Ian Dean  (Member promotion, Cage Warriors)
Izzy Carnwath  (Safe MMA  volunteer, administration)
Yoni Gottileb     (Safe MMA record keeper)
Doctor Safiyah Ahsan  (Safe MMA volunteer)

Guests

Oner   (My Next Match – Medical Passport Software developer)
Fabrizio Fenoglio  (My Next Match – Medical Passport Software developer)
Densign White (IMMAF CEO)
Joe Clifford (Irish Cutman)
Chamatkar Sandhu  ( volunteer)
Max Shepherd (UKMMAF Legal Advisor)
Ben Crighton (Medical researcher)
Alistair Pettitt (UKMMAF Promotions Liaison)
Phil Watson (Paramedic, Medical Solutions)
Phil MacKenzie (journalist, Bloody Elbow)

Apologies

Marc Goddard  (Board member)
Dr. Maeve Rodgers (Board member)
Dr. Mike Loosemore (Board member)
Jude Samuel (Member Promotion, BAMMA)

AGENDA

1. John Gooden: Introduction and 2014 General Overview  (See below)
   2. Annual Review in Numbers by Dr. Kreindler.
   3. Questions
   4. MyNextMatch: Medical Passport Software presentation
   5. SafeMMAItems for Discussion

1. SUMMARY OF JOHN GOODEN’S TALK

Safe MMA Operations:

• In 2014 the operational processes have been fine-tuned in the registration phase
•  Fighters on Safe MMA shows are accepting Safe MMA registration as part of the process now
• A Medical Professionals Focus Group in Feb 2014 fine-tuned the Annual Medical, set standardised Suspension Guidelines and detailed further medical guidelines added to the Agreement document
• New promotions joined in  2014 including AON, Fight UK, Battlezone with more enquiries coming in now particularly from Ireland under John Kavanagh and Dan Healy’s influence
• Safe MMA continued to expand medical network. There are now two walk in clinics in Liverpool and Manchester  (Pall Mall Medical Centres) offering the same packages and turnaround as CHHP

Expansion:

•          In 2014 the UKMMAF began its shadow-sanctioning program, working in partnership with promotions towards sanctioning. Meeting Safe MMA criteria forms part of UKMMAF sanctioning criteria

•         There was an early discussion (in 2012) between Safe MMA founders and UKMMAF about the two organisations eventually merging. In 2014 the founding promotions voted with their feet with not all joining UKMMAF. This has led to Safe MMA maintaining its independence as a separate organisation, an independent medical advisory to the UKMMAF as well as to other parties

•         There has been a back and forth with the UFC, and the proposal of an enhanced level Safe MMA membership which would allow UFC in the UK to join Safe MMA without lowering its medical standards. Meanwhile, the UFC is also working with the UKMMAF towards being sanctioned in the UK.

•          CHHP and Pall Mall Medical Centres are already offering UFC Fighter Medical packages, and Safe MMA has been contacted on a number of occasions by UFC to refer fighters  through its network for medical examinations

•          There has been a demand for Safe MMA from a number of countries under the International MMA Federation which currently don’t have set medical criteria, including Poland, Romania, New Zealand, South Africa and India

•         IMMAF is communicating with Safe MMA doctors about a) forming an independent international medical committee under the Safe MMA banner b) about offering Safe MMA guidelines and services to other IMMAF countries

•          Dr Loosemore has been involved in developing a Medical Passport Software for Safe MMA and Amateur boxing, to be piloted in the UK with sign off from the Safe MMA Board. Oner is here from Next Match to present this software this evening. In follow up to a successful UK pilot, IMMAF is committed to offering the software to its member federations as part of Safe MMA services

•          Other notable events include a recent Free Injuries in MMA Seminar day hosted, generously funded and organised by Professor Dan Healy in Ireland with support from coach John Kavanagh. With MMA injuries as a political hot topic, on Saturday 24th January, Safe MMA-Ireland’s Professor Dan Healy funded and hosted a free “Preventing Injuries in MMA” event for fighters and coaches, in collaboration with John Kavanagh. The event, which took place at the eminent Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin attracted an estimated audience of 300-400 fighters and coaches; and featured experts covering a range of fighter injury related topics. The political highlight was a brief talk by Senator Catherine Noone.  Having recently called for a ban on MMA in the Republic of Ireland she had been approached by Dan Healy and John Kavanagh, who had taken time to educate her about the sport and invited her down to the event. While she maintained there were risks in MMA, she acknowledged there were risks in all sports and pledged to back the regulation of MMA in parliament.

•          Dr Loosemore has been working on cageside care course for medical professionals which should be available later this year

Direction:

•        It was on the Agenda after the last AGM that the Safe MMA Board should be expanded. However at the start of 2014 it was not clear if Safe MMA would remain an independent organisation or be working towards a merger with the UKMMAF.  It is now clear that Safe MMA needs to expand and establish a strong, active Board to enable it grow, improve its services, fulfil its functions and increase revenue so that it is self-sufficient and less reliant on CHHP subsidisation.
•         Developments with the UFC, UKMMAF,  international expansion and perhaps MyNextMatch software will contribute to this growth
•         We are pleased to welcome Simon Rushton to the Safe MMA Board, who has been a long time volunteer to Safe MMA. He will be the main support contact for promotions and will be working to develop services and on fundraising and IT.
•         We are also in talks with a volunteer project manager with a background in NHS Project Management to oversee the business development side
•          We are keen to have recommendations to the Board of individual who have time to give and who can offer needed skills in the areas such as funding and finances

2. SUMMARY OF DR. JACK KREINDLER’S TALK 

SAFE MMA in 2014 in Numbers [Download Powerpoint Presentation]: SafeMMA AGM summary 2014

3. QUESTIONS/ POINTS RAISED

• It was raised again by Phil Watson of Medical Solutions whether Safe MMA should be managing a database of approved and accredited medical professionals which professionals pay to join up to. It was answered that we provide guidelines to promoters and point them towards medical professionals and registers (e.g. GMC) but do not have the administrative infrastructure/ manpower to establish our own inspection and vetting system this at this time
• A new on the spot, £10 HIV test was raised by Phil Watson of Medical Solutions. Safe MMA is open to looking at this but is wary that there could be logistical as well as medical implications
• It was asked if Safe MMA will be concerning itself with PEDS. This again was referred to the UKMMAF as a regulation rather than medical issue
• Safe MMA needs to develop its business structure, planning and outreach. This will necessarily follow on from expansion and structuring of the Board to enable implementation of planning

4. MYNEXTMATCH PRESENTATION

• MyNextMatch includes a digital Medical Passport database that is under construction. It would allow for all Safe MMA fighters’ annual, and pre/ post fight medical data to be stored and accessible from one place. It would enable cageside doctors to view a fighter’s medical history from portable devices at events, including injury suspension and concussion history. Other features of the  software include a proposed member management system and social media platform.

• It is clarified that MyNextMatch has been working with Mike Loosemore but has not been officially endorsed by Safe MMA Board at this time

• MyNextMatch is working with UKMMAF on a pilot re. the Member Management aspects. Based on a successful pilot IMMAF would like to offer the service to other countries’ federations

• It is discussed that the security level isn’t in place at this time for it to be used by Safe MMA anytime soon for its medical passport aspects

• It is agreed that MyNextMatch can be of benefit to Safe MMA and it is worth investing time into working with MyNextMatch on on its development

• MyNextMatch will need to work closely with Yoni, Dr Jack and Simon Rushton to ensure that proper security is developed and that the passport elements will fulfil functions as required by Safe MMA

5. SAFE MMA ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION & REVIEW

The AGM ran overtime and the following discussion points below were not reached. Dedicated meetings are to be scheduled for Board and members to address these items in April:

• Review of Safe MMA Pre/ Post -Fight Medical Examinations
• Amateur Medical Criteria
• Introduction of one-off CRY test for competitors

TONIGHT – 7th MARCH 2015

(London.7th March 2015) Tonight’s FIGHT UK 11 event at Alfreton Leisure Centre in Derbyshire is working with Safe MMA. 

The largely Amateur show has agreed to continue to work in accordance with Safe MMA event guidelines, as a component of working towards meeting United Kingdom MMA Federation (UKMMAF) sanctioning criteria. The professional headline bout on tonight’s card has been medically approved by Safe MMA doctors.

FIGHT UK was the first UK event to be shadow sanctioned by the UKMMAF in 2014. Following the recent departure of promoter, Alistair Pettitt, Managing Director Ian Cox has confirmed FIGHT UK’s continued commitment to working in partnership with the UKMMAF and Safe MMA towards full regulation.

At this time only Professional fighters are required to pass annual medical examinations. The question of safety standards for Amateur competitors is to be addressed by the Safe MMA board and members in the coming weeks. In the meantime Amateurs undergo the same Pre and Post Fight Medical examinations as Professional competitors at Safe MMA shows.

SAFE MMA PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS FOR FIGHT UK 11

• Josh Layton
  
• Tomasz Kozminski

For up to date information on tonight’s event please visit: https://www.facebook.com/Fightukmma

AHEAD OF CHAOS FC 14 

(London.27th February 2015) Chaos Fighting Championships is the latest promotion to join Safe MMA ahead of tomorrow’s Chaos FC 14 at the Everglades Hotel in Derry, Northern Ireland.

The predominantly Amateur card features one professional bout between Declan Larkin and Gavin Carlin, which has been approved by Safe MMA doctors. The promotion has signed up to meet all Safe MMA event criteria to include pre and post fight medical examinations, carried out by a doctor, for all fighters on the card.

Safe MMA ambassador, John Gooden, said:

“It’s always great to see the addition of new promotions who are keen to work alongside SAFE MMA.  It underlines the success and continued growth of SAFE MMA as an organisation and can only benefit Chaos FC and its fighters in terms of health and safety.  I’m excited to learn that SAFE MMA’s reach extends to all corners of the British Isles, now including Northern Ireland.  I wish all involved at Chaos FC the very best of luck for tomorrow night’s show and thank them for embracing the SAFE MMA medical initiatives.”

Safe MMA Clear Fighters for Chaos Fighting Championships 14:

• Declan Larkin
• Gavin Carlin

FOR TONIGHT – 21st FEBRUARY 2015

(London.21st February 2015) Tonight’s BAMMA 18 event at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall (UK) is medically sanctioned by Safe MMA. All professional fighters on the card have been approved to compete by Safe MMA doctors.

A founding member of Safe MMA since its inception in 2012, BAMMA is the first professional promotion to work towards full sanctioning with the later United Kingdom MMA Federation for which meeting Safe MMA criteria forms a component. Since its launch, BAMMA has consistently worked with independent, third parties to improve safety standards.

See below for the complete list of Safe MMA clear competitors for BAMMA 18.

SAFE MMA FIGHTERS FOR BAMMA 18:

Alexei Roberts
Artur Gluchowski
Cheick Kone
Chris Fields
Chris Miah
Hayden Critchfield
Krzysztof Klaczec
Mamadou Gueye
Manuel Bilic
Michael Cutting
Mick Gerrard
Mike Grundy
Nathaniel Wood
Regis Sugden
Ricki King
Stuart Austin
Tom Aspinall
Tom Duquesnoy

To view the full, current Safe MMA fighters register visit: https://safemmauk.wordpress.com/safe–mma-fighters-list/

Safe MMA holds its second Annual General Meeting on the evening of Thursday 26th February 2015 from 6:30pm – 8:30pm.

The event will take place at:

The Institute of Sport and Exercise Health (ISEH), 170 Tottenham Court Road, Central London W1T 7HA

 www.iseh.co.uk

Please confirm your attendance  to press@safe–mma.co.uk .

2014 has been another successful year for Safe MMA with founding promotions BAMMA and Cage Warriors continuing under its auspices, and new promotions coming on board including Fight UK and AON MMA. Safe MMA Ireland has been developing at a pace with Battlezone among the latest promotions to join; and with a FREE “Injuries inMMA”* seminar day hosted by Professor Healy and John Kavanagh recently taking place in Dublin.  Safe MMA has informed the United Kingdom MMA Federation in its development, as the fledgling governing body has taken the first steps towards sanctioning in the UK, in partnership with promotions Fight UK and BAMMA. Requests to sign up to the project have equally come in from other countries abroad, with discussions in progress.

In March 2014, an open Medical Professionals Focus Group saw the further development of the Safe MMA medical examinations and the introduction of standardised guideline suspension periods. Safe MMA continues as a democratic, community project open to expert advice and opinion for its growth, and the AGM marks the next occasion where issues can be publicly raised and developments voted on.

AGENDA FOR THE SAFE MMA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING:

Items expected on the Safe MMA AGM agenda include, among other topics:

• a presentation of a new medical passport software that is in late stages of development
• the introduction of Safe MMA courses 
• the issue of medical safety in Amateur MMA

If you would like any items to be added to the agenda please contact press@safe–mma.co.uk

There will also be the opportunity for new members to be voted to the Safe MMA board. If you are interested in a position and believe you have skills to contribute that will benefit the project please email press@safe–mma.co.uk.

Just a week after politicians attended Fightor in Belgium, and on the same day that Norway’s Progress Party representative, Oskar Grimstad, attended the UFC in Stockholm, political waves were being made in Dublin, Ireland.

Ireland consists of two political regions, Northern Ireland, which forms part of the UK, and the Republic of Ireland in the south. Recently the MMAFI (Mixed Martial Arts Federation of Ireland) reformed as the Ulster Amateur MMA Association with its remit narrowed to the governance of the north of Ireland only.  While the MMAFI had maintained the support of the Northern Irish government, in the southern Republic MMA faced political opposition. It was concluded by MMA community leaders from both regions that each would need to pursue its own course.

The Republic of Ireland became home to Safe MMA-Ireland in 2013, spear-headed by UFC fighter Aisling Daly and Consultant Neurosurgeon, Professor Dan Healy. Safe MMA is the UK medical advisory for professional promoters, and Safe MMA Ireland became its Irish wing.

Following a Rugby concussion death of an Irish 14 year old in 2013, political opposition to MMA heightened in the Republic. In response to an increasingly antagonistic environment, pioneer and Coach John Kavanagh recently formed the IAPA (Irish Amateur Pankration Association). The focus of the organisation is on the Amateur and recreational sides of the sport, and Kavanagh has won great support from gyms and coaches across southern Ireland.

With MMA injuries as a political hot topic, on Saturday 24^th January, Safe MMA-Ireland’s Professor Dan Healy funded and hosted a free “Preventing Injuries in MMA” event for fighters and coaches, in collaboration with John Kavanagh. The event, which took place at the eminent Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin attracted an estimated audience of 300-400 fighters and coaches; and featured experts covering a range of fighter injury related topics.

James Walsh, Consultant Orthopaedic surgeon, opened up with a No Holds Barred talk on “Broken Bones in MMA”; while fellow Consultant Orthopaedic surgeon, Gary O’Toole, followed up (with no less detail) on “Twisted Knees in MMA”. The opening lectures contained some pretty graphic PowerPoint photographs of bone injuries and surgery. One of the worst injuries shown ironically belonged a Flyweight fighter who was asked to go outside of the gym and move a sign. Both fighter and sign were carried by the wind resulting in a knee dislocation,

The topic of “Performance Enhancing Drugs in MMA” was addressed very informatively by Dr Conor ‘O Brien, (Former Chairman of the Anti-Doping Committee 1999-2005, WADA Committee member 2005-7 and Irish Olympic Team Doctor 1996) with some entertaining illustrations and animations. The doctor referred to PEDS use across all sports and even at recreational gym-user level. He discussed how increasing pressures around body image could be attributed to a growth in wider PEDs use; and the way in which some products are geared towards creating ‘show muscles’ which can actually decrease their effectiveness (e.g. Creatine). He discussed the supply chain of PEDs, and drug related deaths and downfalls in sport. He also urged that MMA as a sport must sign up to WADA to become credible.

Chief Performance Nutritionist to GB Boxing and Manchester United FC, Mr Mark Ellison, followed with a presentation on “How to Cut Weight Safely and Effectively”; while Chief Medical Officer of New York State Athletic Commission, Professor Barry D Jordan, analysed “How the Brain Can Be Damaged in a Fight”. Consultant Neuropathologist, Professor Michael Farrell, looked at “Punch Drunk Syndrome: What a Pathologist Sees When He Gets Your Brain.”  And “Fighting Pitfalls” were discussed to include “livers, cauliflowers, carotid dissections and detached retinas”, led by Irish Rugby team doctor and former Irish Amateur boxing champion, Dr Eanna Falvey.

One of the event highlights was Professor Daniel Healy’s presentation on “How the Brain Actually Processes in a Fight” with fighter Owen Roddy. While Dan Healy referred to a blown-up MRI scan of Conor McGregor’s brain in order to talk through its neuro-function, Owen Roddy related the science back to his experiences as a fighter.

The political highlight was a brief talk by Senator Catherine Noone.  Having recently called for a ban on MMA in the Republic of Ireland she had been approached by Dan Healy and John Kavanagh, who had taken time to educate her about the sport and invited her down to the event. While she maintained there were risks in MMA, she acknowledged there were risks in all sports and pledged to back the regulation of MMA in parliament.

The MMA injuries day ended with a SafeMMA Ireland Q&A session featuring founder and UFC fighter, Aisling Daly, microbiologist Jerome Fennell and Safe MMA’s Izzy Carnwath

The next day, Brad Pickett led a seminar at SBG Ireland gym in Dublin, which was attended by politician, Senator Marie Louise O’Donnell.

For more information on Safe MMA visit: https://safemmauk.wordpress.com/about/

For more information about the Irish Amateur Pankration Association in the Republic of Ireland visit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/IAPA/1501304700147909

For more information about the IMMAF affiliated Ulster Amateur MMA Association visit: http://www.ulsteramateurmma.org.

THURSDAY 26TH FEBRUARY 2015, CENTRAL LONDON

INCLUDES PRESENTATION OF NEW FIGHTER MEDICAL PASSPORT SOFTWARE

(London.10th January 2015) Safe MMA holds its second Annual General Meeting on the evening of Thursday 26th February 2015. The Central London venue is to be confirmed shortly according to numbers. Please reply to press@safe–mma.co.uk to confirm your attendance and for further details.

2014 has been another successful year for Safe MMA with founding promotions BAMMA and Cage Warriors continuing under its auspices, and new promotions coming on board including Fight UK and AON MMA. Safe MMA Ireland has been developing at a pace with Battlezone among the latest promotions to join; and with a FREE “Injuries inMMA”* seminar day hosted by Professor Healy and John Kavanagh coming to Dublin on 24th January.  Safe MMA has informed the United Kingdom MMA Federation in its development, as the fledgling governing body has taken the first steps towards sanctioning in the UK, in partnership with promotions Fight UK and BAMMA. Requests to sign up to the project have equally come in from other countries abroad, with discussions in progress.

In March 2014, an open Medical Professionals Focus Group saw the further development of the Safe MMA medical examinations and the introduction of standardised guideline suspension periods. Safe MMA continues as a democratic, community project open to expert advice and opinion for its growth, and the AGM marks the next occasion where issues can be publicly raised and developments voted on.

AGENDA FOR THE SAFE MMA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING:

Items expected on the Safe MMA AGM agenda include, among other topics:

• a presentation of a new medical passport software that is in late stages of development
• the introduction of Safe MMA courses 
• the issue of medical safety in Amateur MMA

If you would like any items to be added to the agenda please contact press@safe–mma.co.uk

There will also be the opportunity for new members to be voted to the Safe MMA board. If you are interested in a position and believe you have skills to contribute that will benefit the project please email press@safe–mma.co.uk.

/ENDS

*About “Injuries in MMA”, Dublin

FREE EVENT FOR FIGHTERS & COACHES

In support of Safe MMA, Professor Dan Healy and coach John Kavanagh are pleased to announce an “Injury Prevention in MMA” seminar day for fighters at the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland, on 24th January. The emphasis of the event is on positive safe training with the aim of teaching about risk in a helpful and factual way. Read more here:  http://bit.ly/1w59Cw4

FOR TONIGHT -6th DECEMBER 2014

(London.6th December 2014) Tonight’s BAMMA 17 event at the Victoria Warehouse in Manchester (UK) is medically sanctioned by Safe MMA. At time of release, just one set of competitor medical results was pending in order for the full card to be cleared, with the results expected in today: All other professional fighters on BAMMA 17 have already been medically approved to compete.

Tonight marks a first for British MMA as the UKMMAF shadow sanctions BAMMA 17, as its first professional show. Shadow sanctioning forms part of the partnership process between the UKMMAF and affiliated promoters working towards full independent sanctioning in 2015.

Meeting Safe MMA criteria forms is mandatory for promoters working with the UKMMAF, and the medical organisation serves as an independent medical advisory to the UKMMAF.

See below for the complete list of BAMMA 17 competitors set to be clear for tonight:

SAFE MMA FIGHTERS FOR BAMMA 17:

• Andy Craven
• Borys Feldman
• Brendan Loughnane
• Brett McDermott
• Colin Fletcher
• Conor Cooke
• Dino Gambatesa
• Florian Rousseau
• Gaz Pilot
• Greg Severs
• Jack McGann
• Kayvan Fallah
• Lee Chadwick
• Marc Diakiese
• Martin Stapleton
• Michael Brightmon
• Michael Cutting
• Mike Grundy
• Mike Wootten
• Oli Thompson
• Paul Bentley
• Paul Douglas
• Peter Ligier
• Regis Sugden
• Sebastien Fournier
• Vernon O’Neill

To view the full, current Safe MMA fighters register visit: https://safemmauk.wordpress.com/safe-mma-fighters-list/

(London.21st November 2014) BattleZone FC works for the first time with Safe MMA for tomorrow’s BattleZone FC 12 in The Regency Hotel in Dublin, Ireland.

Two Professional bouts were originally scheduled for the predominantly Amateur show with one now scratched from the card due to injury. The competitors for the remaining Professional fight, Mick Brennan vs. Stephen Coll, have been approved as fit for participation by the independent medical organisation.

All other competitors across the card will also undergo Safe MMA pre and post fight medicals; and BattleZone has pledged that on-site medical care will meet Safe MMA stipulations.

Promoter, Andy Ryan, said:

“BattleZone FC is delighted to be working with Safe MMA to promote fighter safety, which should be the cornerstone of the sport. As a promotion we have a duty of care to fighters and it’s great to be able to unify over this important issue with other promoters under the Safe MMA banner.”

SAFE MMA Ireland ambassadors, fighter Aisling Daly and Professor Dan Healy said:

“Safe MMA is about reducing avoidable risk. Protecting professional fighters is one fundamental responsibility of all promotions. This weekend BattleZone joins Cage Warriors and Euro Fight Night as another Irish promotion pays this respect to fighters”

To view the complete current Safe MMA fighters’ register visit: https://safemmauk.wordpress.com/safe-mma-fighters-list/

FOR TONIGHT – 15th NOVEMBER 2014, AT THE COPPER BOX IN LONDON

(London.15th November 2014) Cage Warriors continues to be sanctioned by Safe MMA, as it brings Cage Warriors 74 to the Copper Box in London. All professional fighters competing at tonight’s show have been approved as fit for participation by the independent medical organisation.

Cage Warriors’ matchmaker, Ian Dean, said: “I’m really pleased that for the second time in 14 days Cage Warriors is able to present a full professional card which has met all the requirements of Safe MMA.  As always I would like to thank the fighters for their professionalism as well as the staff at 76 Harley Street, Yoni and the Safe MMA team.”

See below for the full list of Safe MMA clear competitors for Cage Warriors 74:

• Andrei Manzolo
• Anna Elmose
• Bola Omoyele
• Brad Wheeler
• Carl Kinslow
• Darren Stewart
• Eeva Siiskonen
• Emma Delaney
• James Hurrell
• John Maguire
• Joseph Duffy
• Julien Boussuge
• Michael Sinclair
• Mohsen Bahari
• Nathaniel Wood
• Nicolas Dalby
• Pannie Kianzaid
• Paul Marin
• Pelu Adetola
• Saul Rogers
• Scott Pooley
• Sean Carter
• Steve McCombe
• Thibaud Larchet
• Tim Wilde
• Tom Breese

To view the complete current Safe MMA fighters’ register visit: https://safemmauk.wordpress.com/safe-mma-fighters-list/

FOR TONIGHT – 1st NOVEMBER 2014

(London.1st November 2014)  Cage Warriors continues to be sanctioned by Safe MMA, as it brings Cage Warriors 73 to Newcastle this evening. All 28 professional fighters competing at the Metro Radio Arena event have been approved as fit for participation by the independent medical organisation. See below for the full list of Safe MMA clear competitors.

SAFE MMA CLEARED FIGHTERS FOR CAGE WARRIORS 73: 

• Alex Enlund
• Brett Caswell
• Curt Warburton
• Damien Rooney
• Danny Suter
• Dean Trueman
• Ellis Hampson
• Ian Malone
• Irene Cabello
• Jimmy Wallhead
• Juan Manuel Suarez
• Kyle Redfearn
• Leeroy Barnes
• Lewis Long
• Lewis Monarch
• Liam James
• Marcin Lasota
• Mark Connor
• Matt Inman
• Michael Abbott
• Moktar Benkaci
• Nad Narimani
• Patrick Pimblett
• Ronnie Mann
• Shajidul Haque
• Stephen Martin
• Steven Ray
• Vanessa Reinsch

To view the complete current Safe MMA fighters’ register visit: https://safemmauk.wordpress.com/safe-mma-fighters-list/

First Aid in MMA and Cuts Management – Super Seminar Weekend.

TO TAKE PART IN MMA INJURY SURVEY FOR UK COMPETITORS GO TO: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ha_QY1lIhbe7g9xK1UtyjdH-0jVFiM9H6ZyeLNlBcrE/viewform

ABOUT THE SURVEY

The survey forms part of a research project by Medical Students from the University of Leeds looking at self reported injury profiles of MMA athletes at both amateur and professional levels.

To achieve this the team has designed a questionnaire that is anonymous and takes about 5 mins to fill (depending on how many injuries you have!).  If completed it would be the first picture of Injuries in the UK.

The survey is lead by Dr. Samit Ghosh who is a Consultant Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon with special interests in Facial Plastic surgery and also Sports injuries of the Head and Neck. He works at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and has had an interest in MMA for the last 4 years, having treated many MMA athletes through his practice.

Once completed the aim is to publish this paper in Peer reviewed Journals and present at national/ International Meetings of Sports Medicine.  Dr. Ghosh has stated that this is entirely not for profit, with no conflicting interests:

“We wish the results of this to inform the health and medical support of MMA participants thus would like the results to be completely accessible to all.”

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ha_QY1lIhbe7g9xK1UtyjdH-0jVFiM9H6ZyeLNlBcrE/viewform

FOR TONIGHT -13th SEPTEMBER 2014

(London.13th September 14) Tonight’s fight cards for events Cage Warriors 72 and BAMMA 16 have been sanctioned by Safe MMA. All professional fighters both cards have been medically cleared to compete.

See below for the Safe MMA approved fighters for BAMMA 16 and Cage Warriors 72.

SAFE MMA CLEARED FIGHTERS FOR BAMMA 16:

• PAUL ‘SEMTEX’ DALEY
• MARINHO MOREIRA DA ROCHA
• TOM DUQUESNOY
• ASHLEIGH GRIMSHAW
• LEON EDWARDS
• SHAUN TAYLOR
• ALEXEI ROBERTS
• JACK GRANT
• MIKE WOOTTEN
• ANTOINE GALLINARO
• SHAY WALSH
• PAUL REED
• JEFFERSON GEORGE
• MARC DIAKIESE
• ROGGY LAWSON
• ANDY DE VENT
• ANTHONY PHILLIPS
• MIKE GRUNDY
• JAMES BRAY
• SAM FERGUSON

SAFE MMA CLEARED FIGHTERS FOR CAGE WARRIORS 72: 

• AMANDA KELLY
• AZI THOMAS
• CHE MILLS
• CORY TAIT
• DAMIEN WEEDEN
• JACK MARSHMAN
• JORDAN DESBOROUGH
• KATE JACKSON
• KRIS EDWARDS
• L J ADAMS
• LEWIS LONG
• MARIO SAEED
• MATEUSZ GAMROT
• NICK NEMBHARD
• PAULINA BONKOWSKA
• PHIL RAEBURN
• SIMAS NORKUS
• STEVE DINSDALE
• TIM NEWMAN
• TONI TAURU

To view the full, current Safe MMA fighters register visit: https://safemmauk.wordpress.com/safe-mma-fighters-list/

• COMMENTATOR JOHN GOODEN HOSTS PUBLIC Q&A SESSION
• BUY TICKETS: www.ukmmaexpo.co.uk/tickets

(London.9th September 14) Safe MMA will be present the UKMMA Expo show this coming Sunday 14th September in London. The UKMMA Expo returns as part of the Combat and Strength exhibition, in association with SENI at the London Soccerdome. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster www.ukmmaexpo.co.uk/tickets

Representatives from the voluntary medical organisation will be at the Safe MMA stand throughout the day to answer your questions regarding fighter safety and medical regulation in the UK.

Commentator, John Gooden, will be leading a public Q&A session on Sunday afternoon, which you are invited to attend. John Gooden is a founding board member of Safe MMA and long term campaigner for fighter safety in grassroots MMA.

The Combat and Strength supershow promises a glittering cast including some of the world’s top MMA fighters. For further event information regarding this action packed weekender that is absolutely not-to-be-missed, visit:

http://www.ukmmaexpo.co.uk/

http://www.combatandstrength.com/

http://www.senishow.com/

Join the conversation on Twitter by following @ukmmaexpo  @Seni2014 and @Fightersinc

FOR THE HELIX, DUBLIN -16th AUGUST 2014

(London.15th August 14) Tomorrow’s fight card for Cage Warriors 70 at The Helix in Dublin has been sanctioned by Safe MMA. All professional fighters on the card have been medically cleared to compete.

See below for the Safe MMA approved fighters for Cage Warriors 70.

Matchmaker Ian Dean said:

“As always I would like to thank everyone at Safe MMA and 76 Harley Street for their help in ensuring that all of the 22 pro fighters on Saturday’s CWFC 70 show are Safe MMA registered. This card sees several fighters who are fighting under the Safe MMA banner for the first time; and it’s great to see more people in the industry embrace this initiative as we look to continue our 2014 campaign after our Summer break with another great night of MMA action in Ireland.”

 
SAFE MMA CLEARED FIGHTERS FOR CAGE WARRIORS 70:

Alexis Savvidis

Andrew Fisher

Andy Young

Artem Lobov

Catherine Costigan

Damien Lapilus

Dean Garnett

Dean Reilly

Jake Bostwick

Joseph Duffy

Karl Moore

Konrad Iwanowski

Lloyd Clarkson

Louis Chapman

Marin Paul

Martin Sheridan

Noelia Molina

Paul Redmond

Peter Queally

Philip Mulpeter

Ryan Roddy

Tommy McCafferty

To view the full, current Safe MMA fighters register visit: https://safemmauk.wordpress.com/safe-mma-fighters-list/

(London.9th August 14) Tonight’s professional undercard bout on “FIGHT UK: Last Man Standing” has been medically sanctioned by Safe MMA. Both professional fighters have been medically cleared to compete. (See below for details). The event takes place at the Hermitage Leisure Centre in Whitwick, Leicester.

Promoters Alistair Pettitt, David Ross and Ian Cox commented:

“We are pleased to now be registered as a SAFE MMA promotion. Growing the sport from the grass roots has always been the number one driver here at FIGHT UK, so now the steps are in place to educate all at the start of their journey into MMA.”

UKMMAF representatives are in attendance at FIGHT UK tonight working in partnership with the promotion to evolve sanctioning processes.

SAFE MMA CLEARED FIGHTERS FOR “FIGHT UK: LAST MAN STANDING”

KEITH ELLIS

KEVIN O’KANE

For more information about Fight UK visit: http://www.fightukmma.co.uk/

(London.2nd August 14) Tonight’s fight card for “BAMMA Fight Night: Chadwick vs Pascu” at Liverpool’s Olympia has been medically sanctioned by Safe MMA. All professional fighters on the card have been medically cleared to compete.

See below for the Safe MMA approved fighters for “BAMMA Fight Night:Chadwick vs Pascu”:

SAFE MMA CLEARED FIGHTERS FOR “BAMMA FIGHT NIGHT: CHADWICK VS PASCU”

ION PASCU
LEE CHADWICK

RANY SAADEH
JODY COLLINS

JAMES SAVILLE
SHAY WALSH

STEVE MCCOMBE
PIETRO MENGA

TIM MENZIES
NATHAN JONES

MICHAEL CUTTING
RICHARD EDWARDS

DANNY MISSIN
MIKE BERRY

JAMIE REYNOLDS
GREG SEVERS

DANNY MISSIN
MIKE BERRY

JAMIE REYNOLDS
GREG SEVERS

To view the full, current Safe MMA fighters register visit: https://safemmauk.wordpress.com/safe-mma-fighters-list/

WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO TEAM UK PARTNER, BAD BOY EUROPE  http://www.badboy-uk.com/

19th June – The United Kingdom Mixed Martial Arts Federation is excited to announce Luke ‘Bigslow’ Barnatt as Team coach, as the UK’s first Amateur MMA team sets out next week to Las Vegas to represent the United Kingdom in the first ever World Championships of Amateur MMA.

Hosted by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the event marks the final step in the MMA’s bid to be recognized under Sport Accord, as part of sport’s journey towards Olympic recognition.  The event takes place from 30th June to 5th July, at Cox Pavilion at the University of Nevada, evocatively home to the finale for The Ultimate Fighter 1. The finals will be located inside the UFC Fan Expo® at Mandalay Bay on the Saturday. Broadcast platforms are yet to be revealed.

Barnatt is a renowned British competitor in the UFC, whose international career was launched with “The Ultimate Fighter: Team Jones vs.Team Sonnen”. Barnatt fights out of Tsunami Gym in Cambridge.

Barnatt will be overseeing British Amateur athletes, Jordan Chester, Daniel Cassell, Carl Burton, Jamie Powell, Charlie Day and Josh McManus as they embark on their journey to face competitors from 24 IMMAF member countries, from Tajikistan to Brazil to Cameroon. The Team will also be accompanied by coach, Nigel Burgess of Tsunami Gym.

Luke Barnatt commented:

“It’s fantastic to be a part of the Amateur World Championships. It’s the toughest Amateur MMA competition the world has ever seen, and we’ve put together a hungry, young, powerful team to represent the UK. Being able to coach these guys is a real honour to me and I plan on doing everything I can  to bring us back a medal. It’s the first ever Amateur MMA World Championships so these guys really are a part of history and helping take the sport to a whole new level.”

Bad Boy Europe CEO, John Paul Gardner, and Bad Boy Europe Sales Director, Andy Dixon, issued the following statement:

“Bad Boy Europe are delighted to support the UK team for the inaugural World Amateur Championships of MMA in Las Vegas, from 30^thJune until 5^th July.

Bad Boy are heavily involved in all aspects of the Sport from grass roots level to our sponsorship of UFC Middleweight Luke Barnatt who is leading the UK team in the Championships in his capacity as Head Coach. As a UK based company with global reach, we are extremely proud and honoured to be associated with the UK Team in this exciting new format which can help drive the sport forward and raise awareness of the World’s fastest growing sport. We will the UK team all the very best of luck and look forward to the event.”

The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation is the international, non-profit democratic governing body for the sport of MMA. Founded from within the MMA community for the MMA community, the purpose of the IMMAF is to protect and further the development and recognition of the sport of MMA on all levels, enabling international competition through the organization of non-profit, democratic national federations around the world.

• For information about Luke Barnatt visit: http://www.lukebarnatt.com/
• For information about the IMMAF Championships visit: http://www.immaf.org/worldchampionships/
• For information about the UKMMAF visit:http://www.ukmmaf.org/Home.html

Follow @lukebarnatt @UKMMAF and @IMMAFed on Twitter

(London.7th June 14) Tonight’s fight cards for Cage Warriors 69 in London and “BAMMA Fight Night: Askham vs Nunes” in Southampton have been medically sanctioned by Safe MMA.

42 professional fighters across the two fight cards have been medically cleared to compete. BAMMA’s Fight Night is the promotion’s first to include Amateur bouts. Amateur fighters do not yet fall under the programme.

See below for the Safe MMA approved fighters for Cage Warriors 69 and “BAMMA Fight Night: Askham vs Nunes”:

SAFE MMA CLEARED FIGHTERS FOR CAGE WARRIORS 69

• Aaron Blackwell
• Adam Ventre
• Amanda Kelly
• Arnold Allen
• Benny Alloway
• Bola Omoyele
• Brad Wheeler
• Brett Caswell
• Bruno Carvalho
• Curt Warburton
• Damien Brown
• Damire Hadzovic
• Darren Stewart
• Graham Turner
• Jack Hermansson
• Jack Marshman
• Jack Mason
• Jake Bostwick
• Jason Cooledge
• Joanna Jedrzejczyk
• Kerry Hughes
• Marcin Wrzosek
• Martin Delaney
• Mike Ravenscroft
• Mohsen Bahari
• Norman Paraisy
• Rosi Sexton
• Simeon Thoresen
• Spencer Hewitt
• Steven Ray
• Suleiman Bouhata
• Tim Wilde

SAFE MMA CLEARED FIGHTERS FOR “BAMMA FIGHT NIGHT: ASKHAM VS NUNES”

• Max Nunes
• Scott Askham
• Alexi Roberts
• Artem Kotov
• Dragan Pesic
• Ashley Grimshaw
• Tim Menzies
• Alex Montagnani
• Mike Cutting
• Ed Arthur

To view the full, current Safe MMA fighters register visit: https://safemmauk.wordpress.com/safe-mma-fighters-list/

• FIRST IMMAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS OF AMATEUR MMA

• LAS VEGAS, USA – 30th JUNE – 5th JULY

Photos by D.Lowry/ Odin Photography 

SUPPORT THE UK TEAM AND MAKE A SPONSOR DONATION AT http://www.gofundme.com/98r960

(4.6.14) The United Kingdom Mixed Martial Arts Federation (UKMMAF) is proud to reveal the UK team selected to compete in the first IMMAF World Championships of Amateur MMA, in Las Vegas from 30th June to 5th July.

Hosted by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the Championships are to be held at Cox Pavilion at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with the finals taking place in the UFC FanExpo® at the Mandalay Bay Convention Centre. Competitors for the tournament will be flying in from member nations across the world. The competition marks the final step in the IMMAF’s journey to achieve official recognition for Mixed Martial Arts under Sport Accord, with the ultimate goal of MMA becoming an Olympic Sport. For more information about the Championships visit: http://www.immaf.org/worldchampionships/

The UK team was selected from eligible UK applicants through an open application process, with a selective training day forming the final stage.

Please note that due to the current unregulated status of the sport in the UK, no centralised or official fight records system exists in the country. The stated Amateur records below include only the fights that the UKMMAF has been able to verify. However, the fighters may have had more fights that have not been recorded publicly and that it has not been possible to verify at this stage. All fight information is being submitted to Sherdog. The UKMMAF will continue to update the competitors’ records as further fights can be verified. 

The UK TEAM

Name: Jamie Powell    Flyweight: -56.7 kg (125 lbs)

Age:21
Hometown: Boston, Lincolnshire
Gym: Avaddon MMA
Verified Amateur MMA record: 8.1.0
Other combat sports experience/ titles/ belts: K1 3.0.0, Amateur boxing 1.0
Fighting style: Stand-up striker/grappler
Facebook:
Twitter:@powell1jamie
“Words can’t explain how happy I am to be going to the world championships. It’s a lifetime opportunity that I know will be a great experience for me no matter the outcome. I’m training hard as ever and feeling great in the build up to the championships and I am certain I will deliver a great performance in Las Vegas!”

 Name: Carl Burton Bantamweight: -61.2 kg (135 lbs)

Fight name: The Honeybadger
Age: 27
Hometown: Macclesfield
Gym: 12gauge MMA
Verified Amateur MMA Record: 4-1-0
Other combat sports experience/ titles/ belts: Rage in the Cage Bantamweight Champion
Fighting Style: MMA
Twitter: @carl86burt

“To be selected as a member of the first GB team is an amazing feeling and the thought of representing GB on the world stage is exciting. I know it’s a huge responsibility but I cant wait to get out there and show what we have to offer.”

Name: Jordan Chester Featherweight: -65.8 kg (145 lbs)

Age:18
Hometown: Preston
Gym: Reps MMA
Verified Amateur MMA record: TBC
Other combat sports experience/ titles/ belts: ACB British Amateur Champion
Fighting style: Wrestling and striking
Facebook: Jordan Chester
Twitter: @JChesterMMA

Name: Charlie Day Lightweight: -70.3 kg (155 lbs)
Age: 23
Hometown: Wisbech
Gym: Avaddon MMA
Verified Amateur record: 2-1

Amateur boxing: 1-0
Fighting style: MMA
Twitter: @charlieday101

“I’m overwhelmed with happiness for this opportunity to represent the UK in the world championships and it literally is a dream come true for me. I can’t wait to get to Vegas and compete at a high level against world class athletes. It’s a huge test for everyone but my heart is firmly fixed on bringing a gold back to the UK in the 70kg division.”

Name: Josh Stacey McManus Welterweight: -77.1 kg (170 lbs)

Age: 19 years old
Hometown: Leicester
Gym: 1st Legion Fighters Gym , Leicester
Verified Amateur MMA record: 7-6-0
Other combat sports experience/ titles/ belts: Muay Thai , assistant coach at 1st Legion ; Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Blue Belt under Victor Estima – BJJ Titles : Hereford Open Champion X3 ; UMA Gi and NoGi Junior Champion ; Gracie Open Champion ; British Open NoGi Silver Medalist – MMA Titles and experience : MMA League Junior Champion ( 15yrs old ) ; Fight UK Last Man Standing Welterweights
Runner up ( 3 fights in one night) ; Punch Up Promotions Welterweight Champion; ICO English Welterweight Champion
Fighting style: I do like a tear up, so stand and bang!
Facebook: Josh Stacey McManus
Twitter: @Jstacey_mcmanus

“I am absolutely buzzing. It’s unbelievable. I had a bit of bad luck last year but this year has been awesome. I have kept very busy fighting, was runner up in Fight UK Last Man Standing Tournament and picked up the Punch Up Promotions Welterweight Title and also the ICO English Welterweight Title. I have had 7 fights this year including a boxing match so I am fight ready for the Championships!!!
It is a great honour to represent my gym and my country doing what I love; and doing it in the first ever World Amateur MMA Championships is unbelievable . Thank you to the UKMMAF for the opportunity!!”

Name: Daniel Cassell Middleweight: -83.9 kg (185 lbs)

Fight name (if any): “Pork Chop”
Age: 23
Hometown: Wolverhampton
Gym: Wolfpack MMA
Verified Amateur MMA record: 4 – 2 –0
Other combat sports experience/ titles/ belts: None
Fighting style: MMA
Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/DanielCassell
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Cassell_12

“The opportunity of being in this selection is amazing, knowing that I have the chance to compete alongside some of the best amateurs in the world. It will be a real test. I am looking to go as far as I can to help put both my club and country on the map!”

The UKMMAF are raising sponsorship to help cover the competition and costs of the UK Team. If you would like to contribute please visit: http://www.gofundme.com/98r960

For more information about the IMMAF World Championships visit: http://www.immaf.org/worldchampionships/

For more information about the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation visit: http://www.immaf.org/

Follow @UKMMAF on Twitter

(London.1st June 14) Safe MMA is excited to announce that Leeds based promotion, AON MMA, is the latest UK show to sign up to Safe MMA.

Having made waves this year with its big cash prize tournaments, AON MMA presents as its next offering a £15,000 Welterweight tournament on 4th October 2014. AON 7, which, takes place at the John Charles Centre for Sport in Leeds will be the promotion’s first event under the guidance of the medical advisory body.

The step will see standardised pre and post fight medical examinations introduced at AON MMA events, medical suspensions submitted to Safe MMA for publication and all competitors required to be on the Safe MMA register.

AON MMA joins existing Safe MMA promotions, Cage Warriors, BAMMA, OMMAC, Fight UK, UK MMA Expo, Euro Fight Night and Quest Fighting, as Safe MMA’s 8th member.

Promoter Faisal Nathani said:

“We are really proud to be part of Safe MMA. Fighter safety is the most important aspect of our sport; and the more we can do to help endorse this, the better our sport will become.”

Safe MMA ambassador, Rosi Sexton, said:

“It’s great to see more promotions coming on board with SAFE MMA. It’s a validation of all the hard work being put in behind the scenes by the team to make it a success.”

For more information about AON MMA visit: http://www.aon-mma.co.uk/

Follow AON MMA on Twitter at @AONMMA

(London.1st June 14) Safe MMA has made the following medically advised updates to the Safe MMA Agreement, with Version 19 available to download at http://bit.ly/1u48rsd.

Among the revisions, Safe MMA doctors have collaborated to outline guideline suspension periods for fight injuries, at the request of ringside medical professionals.

All Version 19 updates, outlined below, are highlighted in red throughout the document.

23b) MEDICAL SUSPENSIONS

•  There will be the following Automatic Suspensions with NO APPEALS for the following:

– Knock Out: 45 days to competition, 30 to contact

– 1st Concussion : 45 days to competition, 30 to contact

–  2nd Concussion/ KO in a season: 90 days

–  3rd Concussion/KO in a season: Suspended until cleared neurologically by a doctor

– TKO stoppage (blows to head): 45 days to competition, 30 to contact 0 days

– All head injuries: 45 days to competition, 30 to contact

•  Guideline suspension periods for common injuries are advised as below by Safe MMA but the suspension issued lies with the examining doctor based on post-fight medical assessment. Safe MMA doctors should state a minimum advised recovery time before the competitor can return to full contact.

• The competitor may be advised to undergo a doctor’s examination before returning to full contact/ competition or if they have not healed as expected. However, a doctor’s letter of clearance is not required as this would require a private medical examination which may be prohibitive.

•  PUBLICATION OF POST FIGHT SUSPENSIONS: Safe MMA will publishes the list of suspended fighters and their suspension periods, within one week of each Safe MMA event (once Safe MMA doctors have reviewed the post-fight medical paperwork). Safe MMA promotions will reference the published minimum suspension time and the competitor will be required to pass their following pre-fight medical prior to competition.

23d) CHECKING YOUR PARAMEDIC’S QUALIFICATIONS

The easiest way for promotions to ensure that paramedics have all the necessary equipment is to check that they are CQC licensed.

In Scotland the role of the CQC is fulfilled by the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Social Care (www.carecommission.com) and in Wales by the Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales (www.cssiw.org.uk). In Northern Ireland, the role is carried out by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (www.rqia.org.uk).

32. FEMALE COMPETITORS

32a) PREGNANCY

Although Safe MMA does not recommend fighting if pregnant, Safe MMA does not require the pregnancy testing of competitors.

32b) BREAST IMPLANTS

Although there is a slight increased risk of rupture, this is very small. Breast implants are not considered a bar to competing and are the personal responsibility of the fighters.

• FIRST UKMMAF PARTNERED EVENT TO TAKE PLACE ON 9TH AUGUST

Safe MMA promotion, FIGHT UK, is set to become the first promotion to work in partnership with the UKMMAF towards becoming a fully sanctioned show. Due to postponement of FIGHT UK’s forthcoming event from 7th June to 9th August, the first UK MMA event to partner with the UKMMAF will now be FIGHT UK’ s ‘Last Man Standing’  on 9th August.

For information about ‘Last Man Standing’ events, go to: http://www.fightukmma.co.uk/last-man-standing-heavyweight/

MMA is very much a grass-roots movement with fans all over the world wanting to make a difference, and we’re hoping that the World Championships will provide a setting where everyone who loves MMA, not just the athletes, feel welcome and want to take part. One way to do that is becoming a volunteer since all larger sports events like the IMMAF World Championships rely on volunteers giving their time and energy behind the scenes to make sure the tournament is running smoothly.

If you are planning to be in Las Vegas between the 27th June and 6th July (the week of the UFC Fan Expo) and are interested in participating and volunteering your time at this historic event, please send an email with the following information:

* General background – a proper CV is appreciated

* Martial Arts background if applicable

* Which days you are available to work on site in Las Vegas between Friday June 27th and Sunday July 6th

* Areas in which you would like to help out. Examples of areas: translator, liaison, host/hostess, ground crew, media relations, physical therapy – you may suggest anything you feel is relevant to an international sports event and matches your skills.

Please send your application to the IMMAF Operations Manager Isobel Carnwath at carnwath@immaf.org and write VOLUNTEER APPLICATION and your name in the subject.

(London.11^th May 14) Safe MMA and the UK Mixed Martial Arts Federation (UKMMAF) are proud to be working with Leicester based promotion, FIGHT UK, as it becomes the latest show to join Safe MMA ahead of its historic 7^th June event: The amateur fight night, ‘Last Man Standing’, will see FIGHT UK become the first promotion to work in partnership with the UKMMAF towards becoming a fully sanctioned show.

The UKMMAF recognises the good practice carried out by numerous UK promoters and initially will work in collaboration with them to evolve their shows’ practices to the highest standard. Such partnerships will equally help evolve UKMMAF sanctioning operations and services that can best meet the needs of UK promotions, ahead of the launch of formal sanctioning at the end of the year.

FIGHT UK promoters, Alistair Pettitt, David Ross and Ian Cox issued the following statement:

“Since preliminary discussions with the UKMMAF board in 2013, we are very pleased that the UKMMAF are now in a position to begin implementing sanctioning requirements on FIGHT UK events.

Starting with our show on June 7th, all future events will be under the guidance of the UKMMAF. Furthermore, by the end of 2014 we hope to have satisfied their criteria to be granted a full UKMMAF license. This is an exciting time not only for FIGHT UK but also for the future of MMA in the UK.

FIGHT UK are firm advocates of transparency and accountability, With UKMMAF licensing controls this can be achieved and the sport of MMA can take further steps to being recognised as a legitimate sport here in the UK.

Naturally medical safety requirements are standard procedure for the UKMMAF so we are also pleased to now also be registered as a SAFE MMA promotion. Growing the sport from the grass roots has always been the number one driver here at FIGHT UK, so now the steps are in place to educate all at the start of their journey in to MMA.”

UKMMAF Interim Board Member and FIGHT UK Referee, Leon Roberts, said:

“Alistair and the guys at FIGHT UK always manage their shows in a very professional manner with thorough and complete attention to detail. It is a pleasure to work on their promotion and I am pleased that the UKMMAF has selected them to be the first UK based show to partner on sanctioning with the newly formed governing body.  I am sure that this will develop into a positive working relationship over the coming months. In my opinion FIGHT UK is a leading promotion in amateur MMA in this country and very worthy of being the flag bearer for UKMMAF.”

Follow Fight UK on Twitter at @FightUKMMA

For further information regarding Fight UK MMA events and news, please contact  mail@fightukmma.co.uk

FOR TONIGHT, LIVERPOOL

(London.3rd May 14) The final fighter to be medically cleared for Cage Warriors 68 has just been confirmed as so by Safe MMA, ahead of tonight’s bout at Liverpool’s Echo Arena. The Safe MMA professional card commenced earlier this evening.

See below for the Safe MMA fights listed on tonight’s Cage Warriors 68:

SAFE MMA PROFESSIONAL FIGHT CARD FOR CAGE WARRIORS 68 

DANNY ROBERTS VS. JIMMY WALLHEAD
MARCELO COSTA VS. RONNIE MANN
MAURO CHLMENTO VS. MATT INMAN
STEVE DINSDALE VS. MATT HALLAM
LEEROY BARNES VS. CHE MILLS
JOHN CULLEN VS. DEAN GARNETT
CONRAD HAYES VS. PADDY PIMBLETT
DEZ PARKER VS. CHARLIE WATTS
ANT PHILLIPS VS. ADAM VENTRE
ELLIS HAMPSON VS. AZI THOMAS

UNTIL 1ST SEPTEMBER 2014

(London.27th April 14) Safe MMA is pleased to announce a fees amnesty for promotions wishing to sign up before 1st September 2014.

Independent medical advisory body, Safe MMA,  launched in January 2013 as a not-for-profit,  volunteer lead project housed at 76 Harley Street in London. Safe MMA has six member promotions in the UK and Ireland including BAMMA, Cage Warriors, OMMAC, Quest, Euro Fight Night and the UKMMA Expo. Talks are currently in progress with further promotions that are planing to join.

The original Safe MMA agreement, contributed to by Cage Warriors and BAMMA, marked a breakthrough in British MMA as it brought into being the first inter promotion agreement and the first step towards voluntary regulation in this country. Safe MMA is recognised by the UKMMAF as its medical arm and under forthcoming sanctioning guidelines the UKMMAF will require licensed promotions to be members of Safe MMA: Member promotions agree to only use only professional fighters that have been medically cleared by Safe MMA, following blood tests and physical examinations. Member promotions also agree to conduct pre and post fight medical examinations carried out by a doctor at events and adhere to advisory medical suspensions, among other guidelines. 

More than a year since launch, the project has developed a network of supporting medical professionals around the country,  a dedicated software database and has its own dedicated record keeper at 76 Harley Street. The project has also harnessed impressive volunteer support from the UKMMA community, which has further advanced its progress.

Marc Goddard said: 

“This is another extremely encouraging step that shows the commitment, drive and ethos behind Safe MMA to make it accessible for everyone who shares the aim of improving and ensuring baseline fighter safety adherence. I wholeheartedly encourage you to join.”

Safe MMA’s Dr. Maeve Rodgers said: 

“Safe MMA is dedicated to the safety of MMA fighters in the UK. We have now refined our processes and have the capacity to enable much larger numbers of fighters to be Safe MMA registered.  We are looking forward to working with those promotions who want to offer fighters on their shows the highest standard of safety available in UKMMA.”

(16.4.14)The UK MMA Federation (UKMMAF) is pleased to invite applications from UK nationals to represent on the British team in the first IMMAF World Championships of Amateur MMA.

(London.12th April 14) The fight card for Cage Warriors at the LC in Swansea is on track to be fully medically cleared by Safe MMA for tonight’s show.

Following a long list of injuries and withdrawals the Cage Warriors 67 card now presents 7 professional fights.  All professional fighters have been medically approved with the exception of a couple of late replacements who are being cleared following their pre-fight medicals today, under special allowances for late replacements. Both fighters have already registered with Safe MMA and completed blood testing. According to Safe MMA’s record keeper the replacement fighters “genuinely did everything conceivable to get their medicals done beforehand”.

Cage Warriors matchmaker, Ian Dean, said:

“Once again everyone at Cage Warriors is pleased to be presenting another Safe MMA event.  I would like to thank all the pro fighters who have worked very diligently to meet the standards set by Safe MMA, especially those who were drafted-in on late notice.  I would also also like to thank the staff at 76 Harley Street and the entire Safe MMA team who work tirelessly to improve safety standards for both the promotions and the fighters. This has been a very trying few weeks with the event suffering numerous withdrawals due to injury, but  despite this we are looking forward to another night of top quality Cage Warriors action.”

See below for the Safe MMA approved professional card for Cage Warriors 67:

SAFE MMA PROFESSIONAL FIGHT CARD FOR CAGE WARRIORS 67 

BRETT JOHNS VS JAMES BRUM

SEAN CARTER VS MARIO SAEED

SHAJIDUL HAQUE VS MARTIN MCDONOUGH

JAMIE PRITCHARD VS PHIL RAEBURN

GEMMA HEWITT VS AGNIESZKA NIEDZWIEDZ

SIMAS NORKUS VS STUART TYRIE

MARK HANDLEY VS PAUL ROGERS

(London.5th April 14) Tonight’s fight card for BAMMA 15 at London’s Copper Box Arena has been medically sanctioned by Safe MMA.

See below for the Safe MMA approved card:

SAFE MMA FIGHT CARD FOR BAMMA 15 

OLI THOMPSON VS. GRIZM SELMANI

COLIN FLETCHER VS. TONY HERVEY

TOM DUQUESNOY VS. TEDDY VIOLET

WAYNE MURRIE VS. LEON EDWARDS

HARRY MCLEMAN VS. ANDY DE-VENT

RYAN SCOPE VS. ALI ARISH

RANY SAADEH VS. MAHMOOD BESHARATE

RICHARD EDWARDS VS. ANDY CRAVEN

JACK GRANT VS. JEFFERSON GEORGE

NATHAN JONES VS. ALEX MONTAGNANI

NATHANIEL WOOD VS. ED ARTHUR

BENNY CARR VS. JACEK TOCZYDLOWSKI

AT LIVERPOOL’S OLYMPIA

(1st March 14) Tonight, OMMAC presents 10 professional MMA bouts, all medically sanctioned by Safe MMA. “OMMAC 20: War of the Worlds” takes place at Liverpool’s Olympia. 

The show marks OMMAC’s third event under Safe MMA, as the promotion leads the way in the North of England in its management of fighter safety. The promotion has been instrumental in establishing medical processes for Safe MMA in Manchester, which will be of benefit to all fighters and shows in the region.

Promoter, Chris Zorba said: 

“All 5 pro fights are Safe MMA cleared. Well done to the fighters and Safe MMA team for getting all the checks done efficiently”.

SAFE MMA FIGHT CARD FOR OMMAC 20

Lee Chadwick vs Nills Van Noord

Dan Rushworth vs Mickael Lebout

Jack Grant vs Abi El Khalfi

Mick Kay vs Shahid Hussain

Ellis Hampson vs Ashley Griffiths

FOR CAGE WARRIORS 65 IN DUBLIN

TOMORROW NIGHT

 (28th February 14) Tomorrow night, Cage Warriors presents its first event under SAFEMMA-Ireland. Cage Warriors 65, held at The Helix in Dublin, also marks the first full professional fight card in Ireland to be medically sanctioned by Safe MMA.

Cage Warriors’ Matchmaker, Ian Dean, said: “On behalf of everyone at Cage warriors I would like to thank the fighters and their respective teams for making sure tomorrow’s CWFC 65 pro card is Safe MMA approved. I would also like to thank the staff at 76 Harley Street and both Safe MMA UK and Ireland for their help and assistance as they continue to improve fighter safety across the board. I hope this kickstarts the growth of Safe MMA across Ireland.”

SAFEMMA-Ireland’s Professor Dan Healy said: “Safe MMA is about reducing avoidable risk. Protecting young fighters is a fundamental legal responsibility of all promotions. Everyone involved in Irish MMA must look to the example set this weekend by Cage Warriors, in particular Ian Dean and Graham Boylan.”

SAFEMMA-Ireland representative and fighter, Aisling Daly, added: “We are really delighted to have Cage Warriors rolling out Safe MMA in Ireland. This solidifies their position as one of the best promotions around and can only positively encourage other promotions to get on board.”

SAFEMMA-IRELAND FIGHT CARD FOR CAGE WARRIORS 65

John Maguire VS Saul Rogers

Benny Alloway VS Jack Mason

Alex Enlund VS Artem Lobov

Bryan Creighton VS Damien Rooney

Damien Brown VS Paul Redmond

Aldric Cassata VS Philip Mulpeter

Lee Caers VS Merv Mulholland

Irene Cabello VS Catherine Costigan

Paddy Pimblett VS Martin Sheridan

Shane Gunfield VS Konrad Iwanowski

Gavin Kelly VS Neil Ward

FOR TONIGHT at THE FORUM, LONDON 

(London.15th February 14) Tonight, Cage Warriors presents Cage Warriors 64 under the governance of Safe MMA, at The Forum in London’s Kentish Town.

The final blood results were cleared last night, rendering all professional fighters on tonight’s card medically approved to compete. 

The event sees in the first Safe MMA card of 2014 from a promotion that has been pivotal in both the founding and development of the project, and unswerving in its commitment to fighter safety. Cage Warriors 64 falls just after the anniversary of the project, as the first ever Safe MMA event was held in the UK on 2nd February 2013.

See below for the Safe MMA approved fight card for tonight’s Cage Warriors 64:

SAFE MMA FIGHT CARD FOR CAGE WARRIORS 64

James Pennington vs Cory Tait

Boubacar Balde vs Jake Bostwick

Danny Roberts vs Juan Manuel Suarez

Benjamin Brander vs. Nad Narimani

Laura Howarth vs Amanda Kelly

Matt Inman vs Gregor Wiebel

David Howell vs Brad Wheeler

Cameron Else vs Spencer Hewitt

Andy Kerr vs Charlie Watts

Kirsty Davis vs Veera Nykanen

Dan Edwards vs Andrei Manzolo

Daniel Crawford vs Huseyin Garabet

b) Fair and consistent voting processes also need to be agreed on.

Safe MMA is working to develop fair and legally standing statutes regarding board membership and processes.

• Safe MMA Ringside Medical courses will help raise the standard and help cageside professionals to exchange experience and knowledge. Dr. Maeve Rodgers is in the process of organising Safe MMA’s first focus group for Medical Professionals. Those wishing to attend should contact press@safe-mma.co.uk

B. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES INCLUDING PRICE CHANGES

1.  Fighter Prices for 2014, as supplied by CHHP:

3. Foreign Fighters Bloods Format Information

Doctor’s covering letter in English required with bloods results in foreign languages, to verify that the competitor is clear

4. Independent Fighters

Safe MMA is unable to screen for Independent fighters. Gym/ coach contact information is to be removed from application form

(Birmingham.13th December 13) Tomorrow night, BAMMA presents BAMMA 14 under the governance of Safe MMA. All professional fighters on the BAMMA 14 card have been medically cleared to fight by Safe MMA doctors. BAMMA 14  takes place at Birmingham’s LG Arena (UK).

Managing Director, Ashley Bothwell, said: 

“I am very proud of the BAMMA fighters’ response to the Safe MMA initiative. All the fighters on the BAMMA 14 card have been professional and efficient in getting their medicals, blood tests and paperwork organised, on top of all the other pressures involved in training and preparing to fight. We have been very lucky with this fight card in that there have been no injury pull outs and it is great news that all fighters have now been medically cleared. I’d like to thank Yoni and the doctors at 76 Harley Street, all the doctors and managers that have assisted with fighters’ medicals and applications; and also extend a massive thank you to Safe MMA volunteer Simon Rushton who has supported many of the fighters through the process. We’re now a couple of hours away from the weigh ins, so finally I’d like to wish all the fighters good luck with their final leg of preparation.”,

SAFE MMA FIGHT CARD FOR BAMMA 14

FOR CAGE WARRIORS 62, TONIGHT

 (London.7th December 13) Tonight, Cage Warriors presents Cage Warriors 62 under the governance of Safe MMA. All professional fighters on tonight’s card have been  medically cleared to fight. Cage Warriors 62 takes place at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena.

With a number of fighter replacements in the run up to the event, including one very late replacement not passing his medical today, the promotion has gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure tonight’s card complies with Safe MMA rules and has been forced to make some tough judgement calls:

Mateusz Strzelczyk did not pass his pre-fight medical exam today, and his catchweight bout against Danny Roberts has been scrapped from tonight’s card. Cage Warriors officials made the announcement this morning.

Also, main event title challenger Ulysses Gomez collapsed yesterday while cutting weight for his Flyweight title fight against champion Neil Seery, and was taken to hospital. It was announced by Cage Warriors officials that Gomez would not be competing in the interests of his health.

Dr. Jack Kreindler of Safe MMA said: “Congratulations to Cage Warriors for leading the way in taking punishing decisions to put fighter safety above revenues.”

Matchmaker, Ian Dean, said: “I would like to once again thank everyone at Safe MMA for their hard work in ensuring that for the 8th time this year that all the pro fighters in a CWFC UK based event are Safe MMA registered.  I would personally like to thank Dr Jack and in particular Yoni who has been instrumental in making this happen and I look forward to continuing this relationship next year.”

SAFE MMA FIGHT CARD FOR CAGE WARRIORS 52

Wesley Murch vs. Curt Warburton 

Chris Fishgold vs. Olivier Pastor

Richie Knox vs. Karl Moore

Dan Hope vs. Tommy Quinn 

Ian Entwistle vs. Liam James

Alex Enlund vs. Danny Lawson

Leeroy Barnes vs. Ronan McKay

Emma Delaney vs. Laura Howarth

Jordan Desborough vs. Martin Sheridan 

Kerry Hughes vs. Agnieszka Niedzwiedz

Mark Connor vs. Shaj Haque

(London.30th November 13) Tonight, OMMAC is to present its second full event under the governance of Safe MMA. All professional fighters will be  medically cleared to fight by Safe MMA once the last medical examinations have been completed this afternoon. OMMAC 19 takes place at the Liverpool Olympia and also features Amateur fights.

With a number of late matched bouts on the card an impressive effort has been made by the competitors, coaches, the promotion, Dr. Mark Banks and the 76 Harley Street team, to ensure a fast turnaround on medical tests that will enable OMMAC 19 to meet Safe MMA criteria. 

Promoter, Chris Zorba, said: “Our second Safe MMA show is almost all cleared, even with lots of last minute matches. There’s been great work all round and I look forward to moving forward with Safe MMA in 2014.”

See below for the professional fight card for OMMAC 19:

OMMAC 19 – SAFE MMA FIGHTS

NIKO GJOKA V DEAN GARNETT

ARTEM LOBOV V CHRISTIAN HOLLEY

(London, UK. 9th October 13) The medical advisory board of Safe MMA is currently investigating health and safety concerns regarding a fighter who competed on a Safe MMA promotion on 5th October, despite a possibility of the fighter being medically unfit.

This is an initial statement based only on reports received so far. Initial reports point to several matters that are now being investigated by SafeMMA:-

The promotion reports giving clear instructions to all 24 fighters to attend the official Cage Warriors 60 Safe MMA Pre-Fight Medical clinic being held on the dy of the fight as is recommended. 23 fighters followed these instructions. 1 fighter did not attend as instructed.

The one fighter who did not attend the official Safe MMA pre-fight medical clinic privately consulted a doctor the previous day. It has been reported that this consult included the doctor administrating Intravenous (‘IV’) fluids to the fighter due to severe dehydration from ‘weight cutting’. There was no documentation in the medical examination notes of the prior administration of IV fluids. There was no documentation of any blood biochemistry or urine tests results before or after the reported infusion of IV fluids.

The privately hired doctor who administered the IV fluids was the same doctor who the promotion (Cage Warriors) had contracted to conduct the official Safe MMA Pre-fight medical clinic the following day. The doctor was apparently not granted permission by the promotion to conduct the Safe MMA medical before the official pre-fight clinic but did complete and submit a Safe MMA medical form to the promotion, clearing the fighter. It is not known if the doctor understood that this is not recommended practice.

The fighter in question may have experienced physical issues during and after the fight that could have been contributed to by dehydration/weight cutting, or inappropriate IV rehydration. Without the need for IV rehydration being declared to an independent Safe MMA doctor at an official Safe MMA pre-fight medical, it is unlikely that any advnced tests would have been conducted which  would have been needed to clear the fighter.

The Safe MMA doctor’s independence is being questioned as the same doctor was also reportedly contracted to serve the private medical needs of the fighter with IV fluids.

The details of the medical issues and the ringside treatment of the fighter are being investigated. Initial reports to Safe MMA suggest that the promotion acted swiftly and in the best interests of the fighter who was taken by ambulance to hospital.

Dr. Kreindler said: “Under Safe MMA guidelines, a pre-fight medical is required to maximise the health and safety of MMA competitors. All medicals should be conducted by an experienced doctor acting independently of the fighter or the promotion. It appears that these guidelines may not have been followed by one fighter in Cage Warriors 60 and medical issues that may have been found if the Safe MMA pre-fight medical had been attended were not picked up. Dr Jack Kreindler and Dr Mike Loosemore and the SafeMMA board are now fully investigating the matter.”

-5TH OCTOBER – LONDON

(5th October) Tonight Cage Warriors presents Cage Warriors 60 under the governance of Safe MMA. 24 professional competitors have been medically cleared by Safe MMA doctors for the event which takes place at the Forum in London.

See below for tonight’s Safe MMA approved fight card for Cage Warriors 60:

Ball or Ray vs. Buchinger or Sinclair

Omoyele vs. Wilkinson

Barnes vs. Karski

Creighton vs. Hewitt

Kelly vs. Stephens

Allen vs. Williams

Michailidis vs. Narimani

Ball vs. Ray

Buchinger vs. Sinclair

Blackwell vs. Edwards

Carter vs. Griffin

Constantine vs. Watts

Else vs. Pimblett

( London.23rd September 13) Last Saturday 14th September, Cage Warriors and BAMMA both presented events under the governance of Safe MMA. All professional fighters were medically cleared to fight by Safe MMA.

The fighters underwent pre- and post-fight medical examinations at each event. The advised  medical suspensions are as follows:

CAGE WARRIORS 59 – MEDICAL SUSPENSIONS  14.9.13

Denniston Sutherland  l  TKO l   28 days l suspended until at least 13.10.13
Lee Caers l  Laceration to forehead l  28 days l suspended until at least 13.10.13

BAMMA 13 – MEDICAL SUSPENSIONS  14.9.13

Curt Warburton   l TKO l     28 days l suspended until at least 13.10.13
Jack Marshman   l   KO l     28 days l suspended until at least 13.10.13
Danny Missin      l TKO l     28 days l suspended until at least 13.10.13
Eddy Ellis           l Broken jaw l  Referral to hospital and to follow advice of examining Doctor

* The medical team operating at BAMMA, Medical Solutions and Dr. Ali, have called for more guidelines from Safe MMA regarding length of suspensions and whose medical liability these fall under.

~52 FIGHTERS, 3 EVENTS~

~SAFE MMA IRELAND OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES~

TONIGHT –  SATURDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER

Safe MMA is sponsored by:

Unstoppable Entertainment, Impact LPA, Fightworks, Select Group, WildKatz, Addicted MMA & The Mouthguard Shop

Official Safe MMA T-Shirts available from: www.impactlpa.com

(Birmingham.14^th September 13) Tonight Cage Warriors, BAMMA and Euro Fight Night all host events under the governance of Safe MMA. 52 fighters (including all professional MMA fighters) across all 3 cards have been medically cleared by Safe MMA doctors, with the final set of results just cleared this morning.

Euro Fight Night will be the first Irish show to work with Safe MMA and tonight marks the official launch of SAFE MMA- Ireland. From tonight onwards full Safe MMA membership will also be required of all professional MMA fighters from the Republic of Ireland to compete on UK cards.

Doctor, Dan Healy, of SAFE MMA – Ireland said:

“SAFE MMA Ireland gives promoters and athletes an opportunity to reduce risk and promote safety. Fighter safety is as important as the atmosphere of the venue, the ticket sales and the media hype. The organisers of EFN are to be congratulated for not leaving professional fighter safety to chance”.

See below for the full list of registered Safe MMA fighters competing on tonight’s events:

BAMMA 13

Adam Boussif

Colin Fletcher

Curt Warburton

Danny Missin

Eddie Ellis 

Harry McLeman

Ion Pascu

Jack Marshman

Jimmy Wallhead

Jason Jones

Jefferson George

Joe Laurence

Jorge Michelan

Leon Edwards

Mahmood Besharate

Mansour Barnaoui

Mariusz Marzec

Matt Hallum

Max Nunes

Rany Saadeh

Scott Askham

Stephen Martin

Tim Newman

Tim Wilde

CAGE WARRIORS 59

Aaron Thomas

Brett Caswell

Brett Johns

Brian More

Dave Hill

David Haggstrom

Denniston Sutherland

James Pennington

Jamie Rogers

Jim Alers

Jordan Desborough

Kris Edwards

Lee Caers

Lew Long

Martin Svensson

Mats Nilsson

Paul Rogers

Timur Mercanoglu

Tommy Maguire

Sam Gilbert

EURO FIGHT NIGHT

Alex Swan

Alex Gus Nolte

Anthony Burger

Johnny Dargan

Kieran Davern

Konrad Iwanowski

Martin Begley

Mike Sheridan

Follow @SafeMMAUK on Twitter or on Facebook

(Birmingham.14^th September 13) Last Saturday 7th September, OMMAC presented its first event under the governance of Safe MMA at Liverpool Olympia. All professional fighters were medically cleared to fight by Safe MMA.

SAFE MMA MEDICAL SUSPENSIONS FOR OMMAC 18 

Adam Ventre – 28 days: TKO & superficial laceration to left side of nose

TONIGHT –  SATURDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER, LIVERPOOL OLYMPIA

(London.7^th September 13) Tonight OMMAC will present its first event under the governance of Safe MMA. OMMAC 18 takes place at Liverpool Olympia.

All professional fighters on the tonight’s card have been medically cleared by Safe MMA doctors, with the final set of results just cleared this morning for a replacement fighter who stepped in yesterday.

Promoter Chris Zorba organised two successful medical days for local competitors in the run up to OMMAC 18; and a relationship has now been established with The Doctors Laboratory in Manchester, meaning that late replacement fighters can now access the same four hour bloods service as fighters in London.

Chris Zorba said:

“The first OMMAC card with Safe MMA has all passed. Even with late replacements, the infrastructure was in place to conduct required blood tests. I’m looking forward to working with Safe MMA in future and all the fighters will really benefit.”

OMMAC is among 6 British and Irish promotions currently to be members of Safe MMA, with Cage Warriors, BAMMA and Euro Fight Night all hosting Safe MMA events next Saturday 14th September. The date will mark the official launch of Safe MMA- Ireland.

OMMAC 18 – SAFE MMA PROFESSIONAL BOUTS

Lee Chadwick vs Yvan Sorel

Christian Holley vs Marc Allen

Aaron Aby vs John Spencer

Adam Ventre vs Gaz Firm

Elliot Jenkins vs Medhi Khirredine

For more information about OMMAC go to http://www.ommac.tv

(London.16^th August 13)  Safe MMA voted that UCMMA should be temporarily suspended after holding 3 bouts that had not been medically cleared on UCMMA 35 on 3rd August.

Fighters Przmyslaw Mysiala and Tom Richards flouted their medical obligations to UCMMA as a Safe MMA promotion, yet UCMMA took the decision to allow the fights to go ahead.  Neither fighter was a replacement and both Przmyslaw Mysiala and Tom Richards were listed on the original UCMMA 35 Fight Card submitted to Safe MMA on 18/06/13. Despite promoter Dave O’Donnell paying for Tom Richard’s registration on 9/7/13, Richards failed to provide sufficient blood results and undergo a doctor medical. Mysiala requested ‘foreign fighter’ status, which requires the submission of bloods only, but supplied blood results that were out-of-date according to Safe MMA stipulations on 2/08/13.  Both fighters are banned from Safe MMA shows for a year, which sets a precedent for fighters failing to compete their professional medical obligations for Safe MMA shows.

Following communications on 2/08/13, in which UCMMA was informed that Mysiala and Richards were not safe to fight, Dave O’Donnell contacted Safe MMA to say but because of logistics and cost, nothing further could now be done. Instructions were given to UCMMA  regarding how to safe guard the rest of the card on the night.

A third fight that had not been medically approved was also added to the card on the Saturday night between Safe MMA fighter, Jason Radcliffe and another fighter, Marvin Campbell, who Safe MMA had not been notified of and holds no medical records for.

Detailed information was provided by the record keeper at 76 Harley Street and circumstances surrounding the incident have been  discussed in detail by the Safe MMA board. The incident was weighed up against the administrative processes in place, a changeover of systems and staff at 76 Harley Street, the level of support that UCMMA had received and the strong commitment UCMMA has made to Safe MMA over its first 6 months.  Based on clauses in the Safe MMA Agreement  and in the promotions contract outlined below, an anonymous vote was cast over whether UCMMA should receive a warning or a suspension.

The vote was put to the following available people/groups on the board: Dr. Mike Loosemore, Rosi Sexton, Marc Goddard, John Gooden, Dr. Maeve Rogers, Dr. Paul Drake, Quest Fighting (1 vote), Cage Warriors (1 vote), BAMMA (1 vote). The decision to suspend UCMMA was reached by majority decision.

Obligations

1.    Promotions must adhere to the principles of Safe MMA, and that is to use only fighters that are cleared to fight under the ‘green light’ system.  Should any promotion be discovered to use a fighter that is not medically cleared to fight, they shall be prohibited from using the SAFE MMA logo and its association.  Furthermore, there will be no refunds on membership and should the promotion desire to reapply, they will be required to submit a membership application and annual fee after a 6 month period has elapsed

2.    Promotions will do everything reasonable to ensure that their organisation and their fighters complies with the code of conduct for SAFE MMA

Follow @SafeMMAUK on Twitter or on Facebook

(London.16^th August 13) Safe MMA is proud to announce that two more promotions have registered with the voluntary medical organisation this week.

OMMAC fulfilled its pledge made earlier this year and has registered with Safe MMA ahead of OMMAC 18 on 7th September in Liverpool. OMMAC is holding a medical day for all OMMAC 18 fighters based in the North West, next Saturday 24th August.

Promoter, Chris Zorba, said:

Follow @SafeMMAUK @OMMAC and @EuroFightNight on Twitter

SATURDAY 3RD AUGUST- LONDON

Tonight sees UCMMA present its fourth event under Safe MMA. UCMMA 35 takes place at London’s Troxy (UK).

The fight card features 6 professional MMA fights which have been medically cleared by Safe MMA doctors, as well as Amateur (“Semi-Professional”) and K1 bouts which do not fall under Safe MMA governance.

Two professional fights on the card have not met Safe MMA’s criteria:

Carl Kinslow vs Przmyslaw Mysiala – Mysiala’s submitted blood results were dated from outside the stipulated 6 months time period. The clear blood results were submitted by the fighter’s management late yesterday. Carl Kinslow’s management has been informed and has accepted the bout.

Tom Richards vs Marvin Vittori – Richards failed to submit complete blood results and undergo an annual medical. Safe MMA was informed that he will undergo an extended pre-fight medical.

See Safe MMA approved bouts on tonight’s UCMMA card listed below:

UCMMA 35 – SAFE MMA BOUTS

Karlos Vermola vs Denniston Sutherland

Charlie Leary vs Ben McGonigle

LJ Adams vs Kerry Hughes

Martin Sheridan vs Daniel Crawford

Grisha Adams vs Nathaniel Wood

Tye Palmer vs Curtis Widmer

For more information about UCMMA go to http://www.ucmma.com/

Follow @SafeMMAUK on Twitter or on Facebook

TONIGHT – SATURDAY 20TH JULY, LIVERPOOL

(London.20^thJuly 13) Tonight sees Cage Warriors present its fifth event under the governance of Safe MMA. Cage Warriors 57 takes place at Liverpool’s Echo Arena.

See below for the full professional fight card for Cage Warriors 57, with all fights medically cleared by Safe MMA doctors.

Cage Warriors’ matchmaker, Ian Dean, said:

“I’d like to thank all the staff at 76 Harley Street, Safe MMA and the fighters for making sure all 12 professional bouts on tonight’s card at the Echo Arena are Safe MMA approved. And we’re looking forward to our biggest show to date in front of some of the most knowledgeable and passionate fans in the country.”

CAGE WARRIORS 57 – SAFE MMA BOUTS

Lukasz Chlewicki v Paul Daley

Henry Fadipe v Danny Roberts

Ronnie Mann v Jose Luis Zapater

Ali Arish v Jack Mason

Leeroy Barnes v Norman Paraisy

Chris Fishgold v Marcin Wrzosek

Mohsen Bahari v Matt Inman

Jason Cooledge v Saul Rogers

Steve Dinsdale v Dan Rushworth

Mark Connor v Bryan Creighton

Mick Gerrard v Leon Pierre

Mick Kay v Dean Reilly

For more information about Cage Warriors go to http://www.cagewarriors.com/

• TODAY – SATURDAY 20TH JULY – EVENT CITY, MANCHESTER
• MEDICALS SPONSORED BY ADDICTEDMMA & IMPACT LPA
•  MEET ROSI SEXTON, MARC GODDARD & JOHN GOODEN ON THE SAFE MMA STAND
• THE SAFE MMA EXPO IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE MOUTHGUARD SHOP

http://www.ukmmaexpo.co.uk/

(London.20^thJuly 13) Today sees the very first UKMMA Expo take over Manchester’s Event City for a two day showcase of some of the best of the British Mixed Martial Arts industry worldwide. Tickets are still available on the door for £10 and free for children.

The exhibition will host its own fight event featuring mainly Amateur bouts, but with a professional headliner between Antanas Jazbutis and Uche Ihiekwe. The professional bout has been medically approved by Safe MMA; and all fighters on the card will undergo pre and post-fight medicals.

The Safe MMA medical costs were generously sponsored by AddictedMMA and Impact LPA, the official clothing provider for Safe MMA.

Ben Farrelly of AddictedMMA said:

“We at AddictedMMA feel it is hugely important for everybody to get behind our fighters and Safe MMA. Legitimacy is a vital component to the future and the wellbeing of this fantastic sport and Safe MMA has taken huge strides to open these doors. This is the beginning of the future and we are starting it in a safer environment thanks to the work put in by Safe MMA. Support our fighters and the future of the sport by supporting Safe MMA. Stay addicted!

Additionally, Safe MMA will be hosting an information stand at the exhibition, sponsored by the UKMMA Expo and the Mouthguard Shop. Representatives on the stand over the weekend include UFC fighter Rosi Sexton, referee Marc Goddard, commentator John Gooden and Safe MMA doctor Dr. John Morgan, who will be there to answer questions. Safe MMA T-shirts will be available to buy at the stand; and custom mouth guard fittings will be available next door on The Mouthguard Shop stand.

For more information about the UKMMA Expo visit: http://www.ukmmaexpo.co.uk/

UKMMA EXPO – PROFESSIONAL SAFE MMA BOUTS

Antanas Jazbutis vs Uche Ihiekwe

TONIGHT – SATURDAY 6TH JULY, LONDON

FIRST EVENT TO SAMPLE NEW SAFE MMA DATABASE SOFTWARE

(London.6^thJuly 13) Tonight sees Cage Warriors present its fourth event under the governance of Safe MMA. Following two events in foreign territories, Cage Warriors returns to UK soil and jurisdiction with Cage Warriors 56 which takes place at The Forum in Kentish Town, London.

See below for the full professional fight card for Cage Warriors 56, with all fights medically cleared by Safe MMA doctors.

Cage Warriors matchmaker, Ian Dean, said:

“I am pleased that all of tonight’s professional match-ups on Cage Warriors have been cleared by Safe MMA. Due to the number of late changes to the card, it has been a challenging few days and I would like to thank the team at 76 Harley Street for their help and cooperation in making sure that everyone was registered in time. I am now looking forward to another great night of fights and hope more people will push to increase the awareness of Safe MMA for future events”

Cage Warriors 56 is the first event to have its fighters registered using the new, bespoke Safe MMA database software designed by the Centre of Health and Human Performance at 76 Harley Street, where the project is housed. The new system automates some of the registration process and allows promotions to view non-confidential administrative information relating to fighters’ registration on their upcoming fight cards. Information available to promotions includes whether the following actions have been taken: registration,  submission of medical report and bloods or bloods reports. If a suspension is in force, the suspension end date also shows on the card. All medical information remains absolutely confidential. Names only of currently medically cleared fighters will soon also appear in a public list on the Safe MMA website. When fighters are due to re-register, need to update their medicals or are not currently medically clear to fight, their names will disappear from the public list. Suspensions and suspension dates will also be published.

CAGE WARRIORS 56 – SAFE MMA BOUTS

VINCENT DEL GUERRA VS BOLA OMOYELE

PATRIK BERISHA VS ROBBIE OLIVIER

BRETT BASSETT VS DENNISTON SUTHERLAND

NAD NARIMANI VS GRAHAM TURNER

WARREN KEE VS PHILIP MULPETER

FABIO FERRARI VS BRETT SIZELAND

ARNOLD ALLEN VS ANDY GREEN

ADAM BOUSSIF VS SEAN CARTER

AYMARD GUIH VS BRAD WHEELER

FLORIAN CALIN VS PADDY PIMBLETT

For more information about Cage Warriors go to http://www.cagewarriors.com

/ENDS

(London.3rd June.13) Today, the recently formed SAFE MMA- Ireland has issued the statement below urging the Irish MMA community to action.

SAFE MMA- Ireland is a subgroup of SAFE MMA, also formed on a voluntary basis by members of the Irish MMA community (listed below.)

The group has negotiated with SAFE MMA so that fighters, gyms and promotions from the Republic of Ireland can now also register to the central database housed at 76 Harley Street, London (UK) and apply by the same guidelines. Registering Irish promotions and gyms will have a voice in the development of SAFE MMA alongside their British counterparts. The SAFE MMA -Ireland task force has volunteered to provide information and outreach services specific to Ireland and will work to develop a medical network in the country. A few minor equivalency modifications will be made to SAFE MMA UK guidelines. For example, blood results printed on HSE (Irish NHS) paper will have NHS equivalency.

In addition to the services provided across SAFE MMA, Professor Dan Healy has successfully negotiated a price of 150 euro for MRI scans for MMA fighters in Ireland. Meanwhile, the equivalent UK price of £500 is considered too much of a financial burden for fighters at this time, and so in the interests of uniformity MRIs will not currently be required by SAFE MMA-Ireland. However, SAFE MMA-Ireland can gain fighters access to very affordable MRIs.

SAFE MMA Ireland plans to launch fully in September 2013.

SAFE MMA-IRELAND’S STATEMENT TO THE IRISH MMA COMMUNITY

“To the Irish MMA Community,

Irish MMA has come on leaps and bounds in the last few years. We have some of the world’s top fighters in our midst, North and South of our Island. The general public are learning about us and more parents seem willing to let children give MMA a try.         

Promotions are the life blood of Irish MMA.  They provide a platform for competition and they are the public face of the sport. Promotions also carry legal responsibilities for fighter safety. There is a view that, in some cases, fighter safety has not kept pace with the levels of professionalism attained in other areas of MMA such as fighter training, coaching techniques, diet and media buzz.

By many objective measures, Ireland is massively behind countries of the developed-world where the sport of MMA is not banned.

As many of you know, the SAFE MMA initiative has been widely adopted and hugely successful in the UK since launching in February. Promotions approved by SAFE MMA get this approval because they have demonstrated verifiable levels of quality and safety. SAFE MMA works with these promotions and their fighters to achieve this. This includes blood testing for infectious diseases (e.g. HIV, hepatitis), an annual full medical examination, pre- and post-fight medical assessments, appropriately qualified cageside medics and paramedics, and easy access confidential advice from SAFE MMA professionals.   

It is with great pleasure we can announce that Irish fighters and promotions now have the option of signing up to SAFE MMA-Ireland. We believe that this is WIN-WIN. Win for fighters as they are assured of high standard safety during fights and win for promotions as they get the help they need to maintain safety from SAFE MMA’s organisation.             

We are very happy to have professional promotions such as BattleZone and CageWarriors are already on board. We encourage other promotions to join and we encourage clubs and fighters to choose SAFEMMA approved events.    

SAFE MMA-Ireland  is a not for profit project. The cost of membership covers the cost of the organisation…nothing else. None of the professionals/ volunteers are paid fees or expenses and no one makes money from this.

Yours in combat sports,

The SAFEMMA-Ireland task force.

Aisling Daly (Fighter Liaison), Rodney Moore (MMA coach), Tim Murphy (MMA coach), Dave Jones (Senior referee), Joe Clifford (Cutsman), Graham Kenny (Solicitor), Dan Healy (Neurologist)

The SAFE MMA-Ireland Task Force

Ms. Aisling Daly, International Professional MMA fighter (World ranked 7th), Dublin  @aisydaly,

Prof. Dan Healy,  Consultant Neurologist, Dublin

Mr. Roddy Moore, Head Coach, Next Generation MMA club, Ballymena, Northern Ireland  @imma_gym,

Mr. Tim Murphy, Head Coach, BJJ Revolution, Galway  @pointblankgym

Mr. Graham Kenny, Lyons Kenny solicitors, Dublin

Mr. Joe Clifford, International Cutman Association, Dublin @irishcutman

Mr. David Jones, Senior Irish MMA Referee, Dublin

For all enquiries to SAFE MMA-Ireland contact aisdalysafemma@gmail.com or 00353877408995

For up to date news on Safe MMA Ireland visit our dedicated page at https://safemmauk.wordpress.com/safe-mma-ireland/

· EXPO FIGHT NIGHT BECOMES 6TH SAFE MMA PROMOTION; SAFE MMA TO EXHIBIT AT UK MMA EXPO

– MANCHESTER 20th- 21st JULY 2013 –

http://www.ukmmaexpo.co.uk

(London.3rd June 13) The UK MMA Expo debuts at Manchester’s Event City on the weekend of 20th-21st July to showcase the best of British MMA. By sharing the passion that drives the sport in this country, the exhibition organisers hope to extend its reach to benefit a wider audience. With an advertising campaign ran in conjunction with Peel Holdings, the UK MMA Expo team aim to attract large numbers to the event.

As part of the weekender, the UK MMA Expo will be holding a Mixed Martial Arts fight show on the night of 20th July in the exhibition hall. The promotion has registered to Safe MMA and every professional competitor will be medically cleared by Safe MMA doctors. Fighters’ post-fight medical examination results and advised suspensions will be submitted by a cageside doctor to the Safe MMA database.

Safe MMA representatives will also be in attendance at the exhibition over the course of the weekend, including international referee Marc Goddard and head Safe MMA doctor from 76 Harley Street, Dr. Jack Kreindler. The Safe MMA Information stand is sponsored by official clothing provider, Impact LPA. Visit us for a chat, to have your questions answered and for fighter medical advice.

UK MMA Expo promoter, Darren Sherlock, said:

“We are proud to have Safe MMA on board with UK MMA Expo and supporting our Pro Event. They are working hard to improve standards and safety for fighters which is something UK MMA Expo are also deeply passionate about.”

Additionally, Safe MMA’s Marc Goddard will be holding his renowned MMA Refereeing course at the expo on Sunday 21st, from 10am to 5:30pm.

For more information about UK MMA Expo go to http://www.ukmmaexpo.co.uk or follow @ukmmaexpo on Twitter

To book a place on Marc Goddard’s Referees course contact info@ukmmaexpo.co.uk or 07976 692840

· TOMORROW NIGHT – 1ST JUNE 2013

(London.31st May 13) Tomorrow night UCMMA holds its third event under the governance of Safe MMA. UCMMA 34 takes place at London’s Troxy (UK), with all competing professional MMA fighters medically cleared by Safe MMA.

Just one replacement competitor awaits his medical results tonight. The card also includes K1 and two Amateur MMA fights, which do not fall under Safe MMA.

Additionally Liverpudlian promotion, OMMAC, due to register with Safe MMA in June, presents its first Safe MMA bout tomorrow night: OMMAC 17 at Liverpool Olympia features a Middleweight title fight between existing Safe MMA competitor, Denniston Sutherland, and Lee Chadwick. Lee Chadwick registered with and was medically cleared by Safe MMA for the fight. The headlining bout will be broadcast on Loaded TV.

See below for the UCMMA 34 and OMMAC 17 Safe MMA fight cards.

UCMMA 34 – SAFE MMA BOUTS

JORDAN MCKIE VS DAYMAN LAKE
LUKASZ KLINGER VS MIKE NEUN
RICKY CAMPBELL VS MAKUNGA BUNDUKU
NATHAN JONES VS BILL BEAUMONT
CHASE MORTON VS BEN MCGONIGLE
BRETT CONNIE VS MARIAN RUSU
TONY HALL VS MO LASLADJ
PAUL KINGDOM VS JOHN WILLIAMS
AARON BRETT VS. MIKE SHIPMAN

 
OMMAC 17 – SAFE MMA BOUTS

DENNISTON SUTHERLAND VS LEE CHADWICK

For more about UCMMA visit: http://www.ucmma.tv/

For more about OMMAC visit: www.ommac.tv

For more about Safe MMA go to http://safemmauk.wordpress.com/ or follow @SafeMMAUK on Twitter

(London.9^th May 13) Next month, OMMAC is set to become the 5^th promotion to register with Safe MMA, in the run up to its September 7^th event at the Liverpool Olympia. The promotion’s breaking news deal with LOADED TV, which extends to the end of 2013, will see OMMAC 18 present Safe MMA to an extended television audience.

This comes hot on the heels of Quest Fighting Championships becoming the 4th member promotion, joining founders UCMMA, BAMMA and Cage Warriors.  Last Saturday’s Quest FC event presented UK professional fighters Robbie Olivier, Fabio Ferrari and Jason Coolidge competing under the medical regulatory banner.

OMMAC promoter Chris Zorba commented:

“I have been in support of Safe MMA from its initiation. However, I wanted to see some of the obvious teething problems solved before joining. The sport needs medical regulation to see it expand in the UK and for it to be recognised as a mainstream sport, but more paramount is the safety of fighters.

“OMMAC is one of the top four UK organisations and I believe SAFE MMA membership will be positive for all the fighters who compete on the show.  I have always taken pride in employing the best referees, doctors and medics on OMMAC shows anyway, like Marc Goddard, Leon Roberts and Doctor Mark Banks who all work for the UFC.

“I’m looking forward to getting the ball rolling early for my September 7th show and having my own input into Safe MMA with my vast experience of combat sports.”

Zorba will be working to make the registration process as smooth as possible for his fight roster, “organising medical and blood testing days for all the Northwest fighters to come down on an appointment basis to Liverpool Olympia. This will not only reduce the cost for the fighter but also make it a lot easier for them if the service is readily accessible and laid on for them.”

For more information about OMMAC go to http://www.ommac.tv/  or  follow @OMMAC on Twitter          

For more information about Quest FC go to http://www.questfc.com/or follow @QuestFighting on Twitter

(London.3rd May.13) Tomorrow night, Saturday 4th May, sees two British promotions present events under the Safe MMA banner:

Cage Warriors 54 sees the promotion usher in its 3rd event under the voluntary medical regulatory body as it graces the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff. All British fighters performing on the card are Safe MMA registered, with just two outstanding who will be cleared in their pre-fight medicals. This is due to a delay in their GP returning the results of their medical examinations, but the two fighters’ blood results have been approved as clear. All blood test results submitted by foreign fighters to Safe MMA have also been approved.

Quest Fighting Championships is the 4th promotion to step into the Safe MMA fold for tomorrow night, with its event’s 3 professional fights under the auspices of Safe MMA. The show takes place at the Wood Green Animal Centre in Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, with a card that showcases predominantly Amateur talent. The Professional bouts feature 3 British Safe MMA registered fighters against 3 foreign competitors, whose clear blood results have been submitted to Safe MMA. At the time of this release being issued, just one registered fighter’s medical information (submitted today) remained to be cleared by a Safe MMA doctor.

Please see below for Safe MMA fight card details for both events.

As well as 4 member promotions, Safe MMA now has 7 member gyms registered which include; BKK Fighters, Chris Rees Academy, Combat Company, Felling Warriors, The Griphouse, Lion’s Den and Tsunami. Safe MMA registered fighters are now totalling 102. Meanwhile, the network of Safe MMA doctors has extended outside of London to include Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow and Cornwall. Safe MMA continues its work to build a more extensive network of doctors available to provide fighter medicals.

Cage Warriors’ matchmaker, Ian Dean, said:

“I’m pleased that for the 3rd time in 2 months, all the professional bouts on Cage Warriors have been approved by Safe MMA. The past few weeks have been very challenging but I am very proud of all the Pro fighters and teams on the card as well as the staff at 76 Harley Street who have worked tirelessly to make sure this event complies to the medical safety regulations of Safe MMA.”

CAGE WARRIORS 54 SAFE MMA FIGHT CARD

Jesse Taylor vs. John Phillips
Diego Gonzalez vs. Danny Roberts
Mark Glover vs. Lewis Long
Jason Ball vs. Ivan Buchinger
Brett Johns vs. James MacAlister
Martin McDonough vs. Mark Platts
Kris Edwards vs. Shaj Haque
Matt Inman vs. Leon Kenge
Jamie Rogers vs. Brad Wheeler
Steve McCombe vs. Joe Orrey
Rob Leybourne vs. Owain Parry

QUEST FC – SAFE MMA PROFESSIONAL FIGHT CARD

Jason Cooledge vs. Mads Rolfson
Fabio Ferrari vs. Aaron Jahnsen
Robbie Olivier vs. Ismael Padavia

(London.21^st April.13) As a result of feedback from medical professionals and a doctors’ review meeting on 10^th April, Safe MMA has addressed the following areas:

·         Safe MMA Medical Examinations

·         Doctor Database

·         Counselling for Blood Tests

·         Qualifications for Medical Professionals at Events

·         Safe MMA Doctor’s Training Day

·         Suspensions

·         Fighter Medical Records

·         Data Protection

·         Hepatitis B Vaccinations

·         Tournaments

·         IV & Water Doping

SAFE MMA MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS

Revisions have been made to the GP Annual Medical examination and to the Pre/Post-Fight Medical examination. Changes are based on feedback from cageside doctors in order to fine tune the examinations to the direct needs of MMA fighters and to improve efficiency. [See attached]

Accompanying guidelines for doctors are being produced.

REGIONAL DOCTOR DATABASE

GP availability for private sports medicals varies across the UK and waiting times for appointments also vary. To address this Safe MMA will continue its work to build a database of doctors by location, who can provide fighter medicals.

COUNSELLING FOR BLOOD TESTS

More comprehensive counselling prior to blood tests has been requested: Dr. Maeve Rogers has produced Blood Borne Virus information sheets to accompany blood packs sent to fighters, and also counselling questionnaires for use by doctors.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS AT EVENTS

The medical team on site at Safe MMA events MUST include:

·         A qualified doctor for diagnosis and suspensions.

Safe MMA cannot support promotions that do not hire a qualified doctor to be present at events.

·         AT LEAST one paramedic fully equipped to provide cageside/post-fight care

Additionally;

·         There must either be a fast response time from the local ambulance service or an ambulance on site.

·         Medical staff carrying out examinations and handling fighter medical information will need to be data protection (ICO) registered.

SAFE MMA DOCTOR’S TRAINING DAY

Safe MMA is to introduce voluntary training days for cageside doctors to include treatment of MMA related injuries, suspensions and topics such as, ‘When to Stop a Fight’.

MEDICAL SUSPENSIONS

Automatic Suspensions with NO APPEALS:

·         1st Concussion : 30 days

·         2nd Concussion in a season: 90 days

·         3rd Concussion in a season: Suspended until cleared neurologically by a doctor

·         TKO stoppage (blows to head): 30 days

·         All head injuries: 30 days

NB: Unconsciousness is no measure of concussion. The fighter must be examined by a doctor

     Other Suspensions

All other suspensions must be stipulated by the doctor who has diagnosed the fighter’s injuries in the post-fight examination. This is because individuals can vary in their time needed for recovery from the same injury, and also an injury can vary in its severity (e.g. lacerations, ligament damage, dislocations). The fighter will be advised to be examined by a doctor before returning to full contact. These suspensions may be extended on review if the injury has not healed as expected and within the expected time-frame.

FIGHTER MEDICAL RECORDS

Safe MMA is to produce fighter passports containing the fighter’s medical reports, fight records and suspensions. Competitors are to carry their passports to all of their fight medicals.
This will enable the examining doctor to refer to the fighters’ medical history to enable a better assessment.

DATA PROTECTION

Questions have been asked by medical practitioners regarding Safe MMA’s data protection status.

The Centre for Health and Human Performance, which houses Safe MMA, is not only data protection registered but CQC Certified for the way in which its medical records are processed and stored. CHHP has also developed proprietary militarily grade encryption as security for all clinical data with two stage authentication for access.

All medical professionals carrying out fighter examinations at Safe MMA events must be ICO registered.

Additionally, a disclaimer is now to be included in the pre/post-fight medical forms for the fighter to sign and give permission for their medical information to be shared with Safe MMA.

HEPATITIS B VACCINATIONS

Safe MMA recommends that all competitors are vaccinated against Hepatitis B.

TOURNAMENTS

Safe MMA takes no stance on tournaments per se. However if a competitor is concussed or injured in an early fight, then they can not compete in the following fights and suspensions will apply.

IV & WATER DOPING

Safe MMA does not condone the use of IV or water doping practices which are dangerous and bad practice. If a fighter was to suffer complications as a result of IV, the doctor would be held as personally liable and would not be supported by Safe MMA