Alberta to launch review into combat sports safety after fighter’s death

Alberta’s Minister of Sport, Joseph Schow, has made a significant announcement regarding the province’s commitment to improving athlete safety in combat sports. This decision comes in the wake of a tragic incident where an amateur MMA fighter lost his life after a charity match outside of Edmonton.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Minister Schow revealed that he will be initiating a comprehensive review to identify gaps and opportunities in athlete safety within combat sports. He plans to engage with municipal combative sport commissions to gather insights and recommendations for enhancing safety measures. To lead this crucial engagement, former Edmonton Elks CEO Victor Cui has been appointed for his extensive experience in establishing combative sport commissions and prioritizing athlete safety.

One of the key points highlighted in Minister Schow’s statement is the absence of a provincial commission for combat sports in Alberta, making it the only province without such oversight. The government aims to explore the necessary steps to establish a provincial commission to regulate and monitor combat sports effectively.

Minister Schow emphasized the importance of ensuring a level playing field for all athletes and prioritizing their safety in the sports they love. He expressed a commitment to collaborating closely with provincial and municipal partners to implement necessary measures to enhance athlete safety in Alberta. The first meeting with stakeholders is scheduled to take place before Christmas to kickstart this important initiative.

Victor Cui, known for his role as co-founder of the combat sports promotion ONE Championship, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this crucial review process. His involvement signals a strong focus on leveraging industry insights to drive meaningful change and safeguard the well-being of athletes in combat sports.

The catalyst for this review was the tragic passing of Trokon Dousuah, a 33-year-old amateur MMA fighter who lost his life following a three-round bout in Enoch, Alberta. The event, organized by Ultra MMA, was halted after Dousuah was carried out of the ring, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols in combat sports.

Minister Schow’s commitment to prioritizing athlete safety aligns with the findings of the public fatality inquiry into the death of Timothy Hague in 2017. Justice Carrie Sharpe recommended replacing the existing municipal sanctioning commissions with a centralized governing body to streamline regulations and enhance safety measures.

Erik Magraken, a combat sports regulatory lawyer and licensed MMA judge, described Alberta’s current regulatory landscape as the “wild west” for combat sports. He emphasized the significance of the government taking proactive steps to address safety concerns, especially in light of Dousuah’s tragic passing.

The government’s proactive approach to reviewing and enhancing athlete safety in combat sports reflects a commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for athletes across Alberta. By collaborating with industry experts and stakeholders, Minister Schow aims to implement sustainable measures that prioritize athlete well-being and uphold the integrity of combat sports.