ACA president Magomed Bubulatov provided candid insights into performance-enhancing drug use within the Russian MMA promotion during an interview. He stated that more fighters use PEDs than compete clean, and noted that fighters who accept bouts on short notice are typically the cleanest because they "don't have time to apply anything." Bubulatov revealed that ACA implemented doping controls six months ago, giving fighters time to clear their systems while allowing certain therapeutic substances. The organization has collected data on which fighters are using banned substances, but Bubulatov remains uncertain about how to handle violators. He emphasized that comprehensive drug testing is expensive and would require collaboration among all Russian MMA promotions, which he considers unlikely. Bubulatov initially considered year-long suspensions for violations but is still deliberating on the proper course of action.
The president of ACA, one of Russia's premier mixed martial arts promotions, has spoken openly about the widespread use of performance-enhancing drugs within the organization, acknowledging that the majority of its fighters are not competing clean.
Magomed Bubulatov made the candid remarks during a recent interview, stating plainly that more ACA fighters use banned substances than do not. He offered an unusual observation about short-notice fighters, suggesting they tend to be among the cleanest competitors on any given card simply because they lack the time to use anything before stepping in.
Bubulatov revealed that ACA introduced doping controls six months ago, though the rollout was deliberately gradual. The organization gave fighters a window to clear their systems before testing began and permitted the use of certain therapeutic substances during the transition period. As a result, ACA has now accumulated data identifying which fighters have been using prohibited substances, but Bubulatov said he remains uncertain about how to proceed against those individuals.
Why it matters
- ACA's admission highlights a structural doping problem that extends well beyond a single promotion or athlete
- Bubulatov floated year-long suspensions as a potential penalty but has not committed to any enforcement framework
- He acknowledged that meaningful, industry-wide testing would require cooperation among all Russian MMA organizations, something he considers unlikely to materialize
- The cost of comprehensive testing was cited as a significant barrier, leaving the promotion's anti-doping future in doubt
The comments are notable for their frankness at an executive level, where public acknowledgment of systemic drug use is rare. Whether ACA moves toward a consistent enforcement policy or continues to deliberate remains an open question, with Bubulatov offering no firm timeline for a decision.
