ACA president Magomed Bubulatov candidly discussed doping issues within his organization in an interview. He stated that more fighters use performance-enhancing drugs than compete clean, and noted that fighters accepting bouts on short notice are usually clean because they don't have time to use substances. Bubulatov explained that ACA implemented drug testing after giving fighters six months to clear their systems and allowing certain recovery medications. While they have data on which fighters use banned substances, he's uncertain about how to handle violators, mentioning a potential one-year suspension. He acknowledged that comprehensive testing is expensive and would be more feasible if all Russian promotions collaborated, though he considers that unlikely.
Absolute Championship Berkut president Magomed Bubulatov has made a striking admission about the scale of doping inside his organization, stating publicly that the majority of fighters on his roster use performance-enhancing drugs rather than compete clean.
Speaking in a candid interview, Bubulatov offered a rare and unusually transparent look at the doping culture within a major MMA promotion. He revealed that ACA introduced drug testing only after giving fighters a six-month window to clear prohibited substances from their systems, and that certain recovery medications were permitted during that transitional period. Even with testing now in place, he acknowledged that the organization holds data identifying fighters who continue to use banned substances.
Despite having that information, Bubulatov expressed uncertainty about the appropriate course of action. He mentioned a potential one-year suspension as a possible consequence for violators but stopped short of committing to a firm enforcement policy.
One telling detail he shared: fighters who accept bouts on short notice tend to be clean, simply because they do not have enough time to cycle on and off prohibited substances before a fight.
Why it matters
- Bubulatov's admission signals that doping is systemic within ACA, not a matter of isolated violations.
- The six-month grace period before testing began may have allowed widespread use to continue with organizational awareness.
- Bubulatov argued that thorough, regular testing would require financial cooperation across Russian promotions — something he considers unlikely — leaving the enforcement gap open for the foreseeable future.
- The comments raise broader questions about competitive integrity in Russian MMA at a time when the sport continues to grow in the region.
