A Fighter's Heart - Cardiovascular Issues in MMA

October 16, 2014 / Sabe De

Several months ago, as a cardiologist, I was asked to review a young, lean fighter who was told by his primary care physician that he could no longer fight. His electrocardiogram (ECG) showed possible “left ventricular hypertrophy” that could be suggestive of abnormally thickened heart muscle. After a few tests including a cardiac ultrasound and a stress test, I felt that his ECG was in fact normal for his relatively young age and thin body size and could not identify anything wrong. He has subsequently won 2 further MMA fights.

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Fighting Hand Injuries in MMA and the Quest for the Perfect Glove

May 29, 2014 / Sabe De

In perhaps my favorite movie of all time, Enter the Dragon (1973), the greatest martial artist of all time Bruce Lee dons a pair of Kempo gloves. The fingers are individually cut and the thumb is covered. Did Lee know something then that we don't today? The master and founder of Jeet Kune Do, the first world's hybrid martial arts system never lived to see the development of the JKD at its purest form, MMA. Lee died suddenly as he wrapped up dubbing work on his epic film.

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Weighing In on Cutting Weight

April 30, 2014 / Sabe De

Anthony "Rumble" Johnson manhandles Phil Davis at UFC 172 fighting at 205lbs. Only 2 years prior he had fought consistently at 170lbs. Courtesy: UFC

Last weekend, I watched the return of Anthony “Rumble” Johnson at UFC 172. Fighting at 205lb, Rumble moved flawlessly, earning a victory over top-ranked Phil Davis. He looked big and strong, probably weighing 220lbs in the octagon. Above all he looked healthy...

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The TRUTH on TRT - Testosterone Replacement Therapy under Fire

April 19, 2014 / Sabe De

Performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) have marred professional sports for years. Jose Canseco, A-Rod, Lance Armstrong have all become names synonymous with anabolic steroids, often used because “everyone’s doing them” and to create a “level playing field”. TRT has become MMA’s Achilles heel as this is seemingly the only sport where this drug has been so scrutinized.

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tags / testosterone

Concussion Discussion - Brain Injury in MMA

April 12, 2014 / Sabe De

Dan Henderson KO's Michael Bisping at UFC 100....and then again. Courtesy: UFC — Dan Henderson KO's Michael Bisping at UFC 100....and then again. *Courtesy: UFC*

As a fan, I have come to enjoy highlight reel knockouts featuring dazzling head kicks, spinning back fists, or even ground and pound. The doctor part of me in contrast often feels somewhat uneasy when I see a fighter take a bit of time to regain consciousness or “eat a few too many shots” than were necessary before a referee stoppage.

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Early Referee Stoppages...A small price to pay to ensure fighter safety

March 27, 2014 / Sabe De

Ronda Rousey knees Sarah Mcmann, ending the fight at UFC 170.

Recently I was in Las Vegas, cageside watching the Ronda Rousey vs Sarah Mcmann fight at UFC 170. Rousey showed total domination for about 2 minutes, after a well placed knee to McMann's midsection dropped her to the ground. The fight was subsequently stopped. Only several weeks prior, Urijah Faber was taking a barrage of punches from bantamweight champ Renan Barao when he turtled up (with an apparent hand placed up by his head) and the fight was stopped.

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A new adventure

March 26, 2014 / Sabe De

Welcome to FightMD.com!

This is a site dedicated to health related issues central to MMA. I am a cardiologist and huge fan of MMA. Here I plan on tackling major issues such as TRT, concussions, and injury prevention/rehab. I am always open to suggestions!

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