ACA President Magomed Bibulatov candidly discussed doping issues within the promotion in an interview. He revealed that more fighters use performance-enhancing drugs than compete clean, noting that fighters accepting bouts on short notice tend to be the cleanest because they lack time to take banned substances. Bibulatov explained that ACA implemented doping controls six months ago, allowing fighters time to clear their systems while permitting certain recovery aids. The league maintains data on all fighters' test results and is considering one-year suspensions for violators. However, Bibulatov acknowledged that comprehensive doping control is financially challenging and would be more feasible if Russian promotions collaborated, though he doubts other leagues will participate in such coordination.
The president of Absolute Championship Akhmat has acknowledged that doping is widespread within the promotion, with the majority of fighters using performance-enhancing substances rather than competing clean.
In a candid interview, ACA President Magomed Bibulatov offered a rare and frank look at the state of drug testing inside one of Russia's largest MMA organizations. Among his more striking observations was that fighters who accept bouts on short notice tend to be the cleanest competitors on the roster — not out of principle, but simply because they do not have enough time to take banned substances before competing.
Bibulatov revealed that ACA introduced doping controls six months ago. The rollout allowed fighters a window to clear their systems, and the promotion has permitted certain recovery aids during that period. The league says it maintains a database of test results for all fighters under contract and is weighing one-year suspensions as a potential penalty for those who test positive.
Why it matters
- ACA is one of the premier MMA promotions in Russia and across the broader post-Soviet region, meaning its doping culture has implications for a significant number of active fighters
- The acknowledgment that dirty fighters outnumber clean ones raises questions about the integrity of past and present matchmaking
- A one-year suspension policy, if enacted, could reshape rosters and create openings for fighters who compete without chemical assistance
Bibulatov was direct about the financial reality behind comprehensive testing, noting that running a rigorous anti-doping program is costly and would be far more practical if Russian promotions pooled resources and coordinated efforts. He expressed skepticism, however, that rival organizations would be willing to participate in any such joint initiative.
The comments represent an unusual degree of transparency from a promotion's leadership on a subject the combat sports industry has historically been reluctant to address openly.
