Fight body ‘dragging its feet’ on safety

The Irish Mixed Martial Arts Association (IMMAA) has been accused of “deliberately dragging their feet” on introducing appropriate governance and safety standards in the sport.

Sports Minister Shane Ross made the accusation following the inquest of 28-year-old Joao Carvalho who died following a Total Extreme Fighting contest at Dublin’s National Boxing Stadium on April 9, 2016.

The Portuguese MMA fighter received 41 blows to the head and was rushed to hospital on the floor of an ambulance.