The death of an amateur MMA fighter in Alberta has raised concerns about the safety protocols of the event organizer, Ultra MMA, and its potential links to a U.K.-based company with a history of safety concerns. Trokon Dousuah, a 33-year-old father of two with a third child on the way, died following a charity MMA fight organized by Ultra MMA on Enoch Cree Nation near Edmonton. Video footage of the fight shows Dousuah in distress and requiring assistance to leave the ring. This incident follows a similar tragedy in the U.K. in 2022, where boxer Dominic Chapman died after a charity boxing match organized by Ultra Events Ltd., the company that claims Ultra MMA as one of its brands. A U.K. coroner’s report following Chapman’s death highlighted safety concerns and urged the company to improve its standards to prevent future fatalities. The proximity of these two tragic events, both involving novice fighters in charity events organized by seemingly connected entities, raises serious questions about the oversight and safety practices within these organizations.
The Alberta RCMP is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Dousuah’s death, interviewing witnesses and organizers. While the official cause of death has not been released, family members report that Dousuah suffered internal bleeding during the fight. His wife, pregnant with their third child, witnessed the fight and reportedly pleaded for it to be stopped as Dousuah struggled. This tragic event has left the family devastated, and they are calling for accountability and preventative measures to ensure such incidents are not repeated. Meanwhile, Ultra MMA has scheduled further fights in the coming months, a decision that has been met with disbelief and outrage by Dousuah’s family, who believe the events should be halted pending a thorough investigation and the implementation of enhanced safety protocols.
Despite Ultra Events Ltd. claiming that it is “not directly linked” to Ultra MMA and not involved in organizing events in Canada, the connections between the two organizations appear to be more intertwined than they suggest. Ultra MMA’s website allows registration for upcoming fights in Canada, and communication regarding these registrations originates from Ultra Events Ltd. in the U.K. Furthermore, there is no readily available information about a separate Canadian entity called “Ultra Events Canada,” adding to the ambiguity surrounding the organizational structure and responsibilities. This lack of transparency raises concerns about accountability and the ability to enforce safety standards across the seemingly interconnected operations. The similar branding and shared online presence further blur the lines between the organizations, making it difficult to ascertain the true nature of their relationship and the ultimate responsibility for fighter safety.
The U.K. coroner’s report into Chapman’s death provides a chilling foreshadowing of the concerns surrounding the Dousuah case. The report criticized Ultra Events Ltd.’s training practices, fighter matchmaking based on weight and skill level, and the adequacy of medical cover at events. Specifically, the coroner expressed concern about the lack of individualized risk assessments for medical coverage, the confusion over allowable weight differences between opponents, and the inadequate timelines for skill development, particularly regarding head shots. These issues echo the concerns surrounding the rapid eight-week training program offered by Ultra MMA, which raises questions about whether novice fighters are adequately prepared for the dangers of the sport.
The coroner’s report recommended several changes, including stricter record keeping of weight discrepancies, more stringent risk assessments, and event-specific medical plans. Ultra Events Ltd. responded by promising to implement these changes and highlighted adjustments already made, such as shorter rounds and stricter standing eight counts. However, the tragic death of Dousuah just months later raises serious doubts about the effectiveness of these measures and the overall commitment to fighter safety. The similarities between the two incidents – both involving novice fighters in charity events, both resulting in fatalities, and both linked to organizations operating under the Ultra banner – suggest a systemic problem that requires urgent attention and significant reform.
The tragic deaths of Dominic Chapman and Trokon Dousuah highlight the urgent need for stricter regulations and oversight within the combat sports industry, particularly in Alberta, where regulation is currently lacking. Experts have pointed out the inherent dangers of MMA and the necessity of extensive training and rigorous safety protocols. The eight-week training program offered by Ultra MMA appears insufficient to adequately prepare novice fighters for the complexities and risks involved in the sport. The absence of a provincial regulatory body in Alberta allows for a fragmented system of oversight, which may contribute to inconsistent safety standards and increased risks for participants. The calls for enhanced regulation and a more unified approach to combat sports oversight are growing louder in the wake of these tragic events, with hopes that improved safety measures can prevent future tragedies and protect the well-being of athletes. The ongoing investigation into Dousuah’s death and the subsequent review announced by the Alberta Sport Minister will hopefully lead to meaningful changes that prioritize athlete safety and ensure a more regulated and responsible environment for combat sports in the province.
