ACA President reveals most fighters using PEDs, discusses testing challenges

ACA President Magomed Bubulatov provided candid insights into performance-enhancing drug use within the promotion, stating that more fighters use banned substances than compete clean. He revealed that fighters taking bouts on short notice are typically the cleanest athletes because "they didn't have time to apply anything." The organization initially gave fighters six months to clear their systems and began testing, compiling data on usage levels across the roster. Bubulatov discussed potential one-year suspensions for violators but acknowledged that effective anti-doping programs are expensive and would ideally require collaboration among all Russian promotions, which he considers unlikely. He noted that while they have data on which fighters violate anti-doping policies, the organization is still determining how to address the issue publicly.