BAMMA Postpones Dublin Show as Ireland Looks to Increase MMA Fighter Safety

British promoter BAMMA has been forced to postpone next month’s event in Dublin, Ireland, in order to implement “higher medical practices” with regards to fighter safety.

The organization on Tuesday issued a statement announcing the change, which will see BAMMA 26 shifted from June 4 to Sept. 10. There was no word on whether the previously announced fight card -- topped by a 205-pound title bout between Paul Craig and Chris Fields -- will remain intact.

BAMMA stated that the decision to reschedule the event was made after consultation with “the Irish sporting, medical and political community.” MMA has enjoyed a recent boom in Ireland thanks to the popularity of UFC star Conor McGregor, but the sport has come under increased scrutiny in recent weeks following the post-bout death of Portuguese fighter Joao Carvalho.

According to BAMMA, the decision was made that all fighters on the card must undergo mandatory MRI/MRA scans prior to competing. With only a few weeks left before the scheduled date, there simply was not sufficient time for all fighters to undergo scans. Going forward, the company said, the scans will be mandatory for all BAMMA fighters.

“We understand and welcome the fact that regulation for this sport is being put in place here in Ireland,” BAMMA CEO David Green stated. “But whilst we await this regulation and the results from the numerous discussions that are currently taking place, we have taken the step to introduce mandatory MRI/MRA scans for all of our fighters for the BAMMA 26 event onwards.”

MMA is currently unregulated in Ireland. Following the death of Carvalho last month, Irish Minister of Sport Michael Ring stated that he plans to introduce regulation for MMA under one of Ireland’s National Governing Bodies (NGBs) which oversee sports.

BAMMA will honor tickets from the June 4 event on the rescheduled Sept. 10 date, though the company has also offered refunds for ticketholders.