Ask the Fight Doc: Was the UFC’s Thiago Alves actually put at risk with pre-fight CT scan?

Dr. Johnny BenjaminA CT scan may have very well saved Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight Thiago Alves’ life.

However, Alves’ test, which showed an AV malformation and prompted a quick surgery date, likely wouldn’t have happened if the would-be UFC 111 fighter hadn’t been scheduled to compete in New Jersey, which is home to one of the best and most advanced state athletic commissions in the country.

In this week’s installment of “Ask the Fight Doc,” MMAjunkie.com medical columnist and combat-sports specialist Dr. Johnny Benjamin discusses Alves’ situation, whether frequent CT scans are actually dangerous to fighters, and why other commissions should
follow the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board’s lead.


Dr. Johnny BenjaminA CT scan may have very well saved Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight Thiago Alves’ life.

However, Alves’ test, which showed an AV malformation and prompted a quick surgery date, likely wouldn’t have happened if the would-be UFC 111 fighter hadn’t been scheduled to compete in New Jersey, which is home to one of the best and most advanced state athletic commissions in the country.

In this week’s installment of “Ask the Fight Doc,” MMAjunkie.com medical columnist and combat-sports specialist Dr. Johnny Benjamin discusses Alves’ situation, whether frequent CT scans are actually dangerous to fighters, and why other commissions should
follow the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board’s lead.