ACA president Magomed Bubulatov candidly discussed doping issues in the promotion, stating that more fighters use performance-enhancing drugs than compete clean. He revealed that fighters who accept bouts on short notice are typically the cleanest because they "didn't have time to use anything." The promotion gave fighters six months to clear their systems and allowed certain therapeutic substances when they began testing. Bubulatov noted that doping control is expensive and suggested Russian promotions should unite to address the issue, though he considers this unlikely. He is considering one-year suspensions for violators but has not finalized a policy. The promotion tracks which fighters are using banned substances but has not decided whether to publicly release the information.
ACA president Magomed Bubulatov has made a striking admission about doping inside his promotion, stating openly that the majority of fighters on the roster use performance-enhancing drugs rather than compete clean.
Speaking candidly on the subject, Bubulatov offered an unusual insight into how widespread the problem is, noting that fighters who accept bouts on short notice tend to be among the cleanest competitors — simply because they did not have enough time to use anything before the contest. The remark underscores just how normalized doping has become within the organization.
When ACA introduced testing, the promotion gave fighters a six-month window to clear banned substances from their systems and permitted certain therapeutic-use substances during that transitional period. Bubulatov acknowledged that meaningful doping control carries a significant financial burden and suggested that Russian promotions should collaborate to share those costs. He conceded, however, that he considers such cooperation unlikely to materialize.
Why it matters
- ACA is one of the largest MMA promotions outside the UFC and Bellator, making its doping culture a major integrity issue for the sport's broader ecosystem.
- Bubulatov has floated one-year suspensions for violators but has not yet formalized or announced an enforcement policy.
- The promotion is already tracking which fighters have used banned substances but has not decided whether to make that information public, leaving fighters, fans, and potential partner organizations in the dark.
The admission is notable for its frankness at a time when most combat sports organizations publicly emphasize anti-doping compliance. Whether ACA moves toward a structured, transparent testing program or continues its current approach remains an open question, with Bubulatov's comments suggesting the promotion is still weighing its options rather than committing to a firm course of action.
