Favetti (second from left) reported exam fraud scheme. Photo: Ivo Lima/ME
A major behind-the-scenes scandal promises to shake the structures of Brazilian MMA and should generate serious consequences for those involved in the coming days. The Brazilian MMA Athletic Commission (CABMMA) revealed that it had discovered a gigantic fraud scheme in medical examinations for athletes competing on the national circuit and should indict those involved soon.
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The revelation was made by the organization's president, Rafael Favetti, in an interview with the North American website “MMA Fighting”. “The Commission has been carrying out a secret investigation against fraud in medical examinations provided by athletes in several gyms. We have reached the point where we are possibly dealing with a gang, a gang whose specialty is defrauding medical exams for MMA athletes”, said the leader, without yet revealing the names of the gyms or athletes involved.
“We contacted hospitals and laboratories, and not even they knew they were involved in this fraud. They were desperate. Our next step is to take the case to the police and the federal police so that legal action can be taken against the crime,” said Favetti, who assured, however, that no UFC athlete is involved in the scandal.
“We will soon announce who those involved in the case are, after which we will speak with the police and federal police. We will announce the names of the athletes and the gyms and they will probably be banned from the sport. They have already been suspended for an indefinite period. They will have the opportunity to defend themselves, but they will also be investigated for this crime. If their defense is not satisfactory (and, let's be clear, they don't have much to say about this, it is a clear case of fraud), they will be disaffiliated”, he concluded.
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