Safety in Mixed Martial Arts: a 7-Year Review of Cancelled MMA Bouts in Calgary, Alberta, During the Pre-bout Medical Examination Period

Abstract

BackgroundPresently, there is no literature that examines the reasons for the cancellation of amateur or professional mixed martial arts (MMA) bouts. The purpose of this study was to review the circumstances that lead to the cancellation of MMA bouts by Calgary ringside physicians during the pre-bout examination period and to identify any emerging patterns that may guide the regulatoin of this sport.MethodsThe case-series was constructed from the Calgary Combative Sports Commission pre-bout examination records and the medical records submitted by each athlete from January 2010 to December 2016.ResultsCancelled bouts in the pre-bout examination periods represented 5.4% of all MMA bouts in Calgary. A total of 25 reasons lead to bout cancellation and included the following: failure to obtain required neuroimaging (28.0%), neuroimaging abnormalities (24.0%), incomplete routine screening investigations (16.0%), exceeding maximum weight differential between the two athletes (16.0%), injury in the pre-competition period (8.0%), dehydration (4.0%), and ECG abnormalities (4.0%). The abnormalities on neuroimaging (n of 6) included the following: post traumatic gliosis on MRI (n = 1, 16.7%), flares diffusely and findings consistent with microhemorrhage on MRI (n = 1, 16.7%), chronic orbital fracture with fat pad extrusion on CT (n = 2, 33.3%), lacunar infarct on MRI (1), and unspecified MRI abnormality (n = 1, 16.7%). Twenty-two athletes had bouts cancelled and of these three athletes had their bouts stopped for two reasons.ConclusionsThe following recommendations are presented and include: the creation of guidelines regarding pre- and post-bout neuroimaging, the implementation of industry-wide minimum medical screening standards, the adoption of a longitudinal approach to weight monitoring, the development of competent ringside physician groups, and active oversight by the Combative Sports Commission during the matchmaking process.

Eye Trauma in Mixed Martial Arts and Boxing

“…One study showed that orbital fractures were a cause of prebout cancellation due to chronic orbital fracture with fat prolapse seen on CT imaging. 25 Visual compromise or persistent diplopia could also factor into an athlete's ability to fight.…”

Risk factors associated with injury and concussion in sanctioned amateur and professional mixed martial arts bouts in Calgary, Alberta

“…A recent study 27 reported on the pre-bout medical screening of MMA athletes and identified 5.8% of athletes with medical reasons for termination of their bout. In this cohort, the most common reason for the match cancellation was abnormal neuroimaging, including post-traumatic gliosis, mircohaemorrhage, chronic orbital fractures and lacunar infarct.…”

“…Ensuring standardised precontest medical screening prevents unsuitable athletes from participating in competition, exacerbating an existing health concern or creating a new health issue. Curran-Sills 27 outlined several recommendations that included: the creation of guidelines regarding pre-bout and post-bout neuroimaging, the implementation of industry-wide minimum medical screening standards, the adoption of a longitudinal approach for weight monitoring and the development of competent ringside physician groups. Within the MMA community, there appears to be interest and will to implement some of these approaches to optimise MMA athlete health and reduce the risk of poor outcomes.…”

Head Trauma Exposure in Mixed Martial Arts

“…Retrospective analysis showed that in MMA head trauma is a serious problem—repeated mild traumatic brain injury may cause chronic traumatic encephalopathy and impaired cognitive functions [ 9 ]. Curran-Sills et al [ 10 ] recommended that there should be guidelines created regarding pre- and post-bout neuroimaging, standard medical screening introduced, the development of competent ringside physician groups, and active oversight by the Combative Sports Commission during the matchmaking process. There have been associations made between head injuries in MMA and potential risk factors such as age, sex, weight, match outcome and bout length.…”