A second U.S.-based combat sports commission has stopped Melvin Guillard from competing this year.
On Friday, the Colorado Combative Sports Commission determined that Guillard would not be allowed to compete in its borders on Oct. 15. “The Young Assassin,” now at the age of 39, was booked against Evgeny Kurdanov at BKFC 31. He will no longer be competing on this fight card, due to commission intervention. The news was first reported by MyMMANews, and it has since been confirmed by other outlets. According to a brief follow-up statement issued to MMA Fighting, Guillard does not have a license to fight in the state of Colorado.
“We value the safety of all athletes in Colorado and after further research have decided to disallow this fight,” the initial statement from the commission read, per MyMMANews.
Back in January, the Association of Boxing Commissions, helmed by president Mike Mazzulli, spoke out in support of Florida blocking Guillard from subsequent competition for health and safety reasons.
“Many of these [aging] competitors have been affiliated with other MMA organizations and have been subsequently released by these promotional companies due to many factors including (but not limited to) loss of skills, consecutive losses, or injuries,” the ABC stated. “Lastly, many of these fighters have not fought for extended periods of time. Therefore, the Association of Boxing Commission’s Medical Committee is especially concerned that athletes competing ’recycling’ may be at higher risks for acute and chronic injuries.”