In the world of combat sports, integrity is everything—but not everyone plays by the rules. Inspired by Run the Jewels’ stark reminder in ‘Lie, Cheat, Steal’, we’re diving into the do’s and don’ts of submitting information to Sherdog Fight Finder. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite clear guidelines, some still try to game the system with forged documents, fabricated results, and outright lies. Why? And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about catching the culprits; it’s about preserving the integrity of the sport we all love.
Several years ago, we published detailed guides on how to submit information correctly and what to avoid. Yet, the issues persist. From blatantly photoshopped documents to forged medical papers and questionable UFC scorecards, the creativity of some submitters knows no bounds. Here’s the kicker: these attempts aren’t just amateurish—they’re insulting to our team’s intelligence. Take, for instance, the Mirza Katawazai Fighting Championship (MKFC) in Afghanistan, now banned by Sherdog. Their saga included a suspiciously cut-off fight video, a fighter claiming a draw despite losing, and a series of excuses that would make a soap opera blush. The cherry on top? A forged hospital document claiming drug test failures, complete with spelling errors and a phone number that doesn’t add up. Bold statement: If you’re submitting this level of nonsense, stop. Now.
Don’t: Cheat
Cheating isn’t just about breaking rules in the cage—it’s about undermining the very essence of competition. While eye-gouging incidents like Priscila Cachoeira’s go unpunished, we’re more concerned with those who rig fights behind the scenes. Enter David Abisror, a fighter-turned-coach-turned-referee who orchestrated events where his fighters always won. Controversial question: Is this just poor judgment, or is it a deliberate exploitation of the system? Abisror’s actions aren’t just unethical—they’re a slap in the face to fair competition. And yes, he’s still at it.
Don’t: Steal
Here’s a hard truth: some managers and promoters prey on fighters’ dreams. They charge fees to submit fight results to platforms like Sherdog Fight Finder, Tapology, or Combat Registry—services that are, and always will be, free. Here’s the part that’ll make you angry: these middlemen pocket a percentage of fighters’ hard-earned purses, exploiting their lack of knowledge. Whether it’s a Russian imposter using our logo or a shady promoter siphoning funds, these thieves have no place in our sport. Expose them. Call them out. Let’s clean house.
Don’t: Bribe
Remember MKFC’s Qazikhani? After failing to legitimize his win with a forged drug test, he offered us $1,000 to designate his fight as professional. But here’s the real issue: as long as the Taliban remains in power, no fight in Afghanistan will be recognized as professional by Sherdog. Qazikhani’s bribe attempt wasn’t just desperate—it was a symptom of a larger problem. Thought-provoking question: How far are people willing to go to rewrite history, and what does that say about the state of our sport?
Final Call to Action: Integrity isn’t optional—it’s essential. If you’ve engaged in any of these practices, it’s time to stop. If you’ve been a victim, speak up. Let’s keep combat sports honest, fair, and worthy of the respect it deserves. What’s your take? Agree or disagree—let’s discuss in the comments.
