ACA president Magomed Bibulatov candidly discussed doping issues in the league, stating that more fighters use performance-enhancing drugs than compete clean. He noted that fighters taking bouts on short notice are typically the cleanest because they don't have time to use anything. The organization has been testing fighters and has data on who uses the most banned substances, but Bibulatov is uncertain about how to handle violators going forward. He mentioned that comprehensive doping control is expensive and suggested Russian promotions should collaborate, though he doubts that will happen. The league gave fighters six months to clean their systems and allowed some permitted substances when they began the testing program.
ACA president Magomed Bibulatov has made a striking admission about the state of doping inside his organization, saying that the majority of fighters on the roster use banned performance-enhancing substances rather than compete clean.
Speaking candidly on the subject, Bibulatov stated that fighters who accept bouts on short notice tend to be the cleanest competitors in the league, simply because they do not have enough time to cycle off prohibited substances before testing. The comment underlines how widespread the problem is among fighters who operate on normal preparation timelines.
The ACA has already begun a testing program and has accumulated data identifying which athletes use the most banned substances. Despite holding that information, Bibulatov acknowledged uncertainty about how the organization will handle violators moving forward. When the program launched, fighters were given a six-month window to clear their systems, and some permitted substances were allowed during that transition period.
Why it matters
- Bibulatov's comments represent a rare public acknowledgment from a promotion president that doping is the norm rather than the exception inside his league.
- The ACA possesses internal data on violations but has not outlined a clear disciplinary framework, leaving enforcement uncertain.
- Bibulatov suggested Russian promotions should work together to share the financial burden of comprehensive doping control, though he expressed doubt that such cooperation would materialize.
- The cost of rigorous testing was cited as a significant barrier, raising questions about whether the current program is thorough enough to produce meaningful deterrence.
The admission places the ACA in an uncomfortable spotlight at a time when combat sports organizations globally are under pressure to tighten anti-doping protocols. With no firm enforcement policy announced and doubts about cross-promotional cooperation, the path toward a cleaner roster remains unclear.
