Deciding to allow a suspended mixed martial artist to compete in an event last week where she was ultimately knocked unconscious has been chalked up to a misunderstanding.

The Calgary Combative Sports Commission said fighter Kim Couture “complied with all the medical and licensing requirements” set forth in city bylaws before taking on local fighter Sheila Bird Friday at the Telus Convention Centre.

Couture was locked in a leg scissor choke during the fight and passed out momentarily. Many MMA enthusiasts have criticized the match’s referee for not breaking the hold sooner.

In the fallout following the fight, it came to light that Couture was currently under suspension by the New Jersey Athletic Control Board pending clearance of outstanding medical issues.

“A misunderstanding between the Calgary Combative Sports Commission and Ms. Couture’s arose when she believed the matter had ultimately been resolved,” reads a statement issued by the commission this afternoon. “That turned out not to be the case.”

More to come . . .