ACA president Magomaed Bibulatov gave an extensive interview discussing doping control within the league. He stated that more fighters use performance-enhancing drugs than those who are clean, and that fighters taking bouts on short notice are typically the cleanest because "they don't have time to apply anything." Bibulatov explained that ACA implemented doping testing and gave fighters six months to clear their systems while allowing some approved substances. He noted that doping control is expensive and suggested Russian promotions should collaborate on testing, though he believes this is unlikely. Bibulatov is considering a one-year suspension for violators but has not finalized the policy. The medical department official responsible for testing is expected to make a public statement soon.
The president of the Absolute Championship Akhmat has spoken candidly about the scale of performance-enhancing drug use inside Russian MMA, revealing that the majority of fighters competing under the ACA banner are not clean.
In an extensive interview, Magomaed Bibulatov stated that more fighters within the league use banned substances than those who do not, a striking admission from the head of one of Europe's largest MMA promotions. He offered an unusual observation about short-notice replacements, noting that fighters who step in on short notice tend to be among the cleanest competitors in the sport — simply because, in his words, they do not have time to use anything before fight week.
Bibulatov outlined steps the organization has already taken in response. ACA introduced a formal doping testing program and gave fighters a six-month window to clear prohibited substances from their systems, while permitting certain approved compounds during that transition period. He acknowledged, however, that comprehensive doping control carries significant financial costs, and suggested that Russian promotions would benefit from pooling resources and collaborating on a shared testing framework. He expressed doubt that such cooperation is likely to materialize.
Why it matters
- Bibulatov's admission that doping is widespread represents one of the most direct public statements on PED use by a sitting executive in Russian MMA
- ACA is considering a one-year suspension for confirmed violators, though no formal policy has been adopted yet
- The league's medical department official responsible for overseeing testing is expected to issue a public statement in the near future, which may clarify the scope and structure of the program
- Without cross-promotional cooperation on testing, smaller Russian organizations may face little pressure to adopt comparable standards
