In the summer of 2025, Nova Bergman, a 24-year-old female MMA fighter from Boden, reached the finals of the 52.2-kilogram category at the World Championship but had to settle for a silver medal after being knocked out by her opponent, Amp Kanjutha. Following the match, Bergman received a surprising comment from the referee, who apologized for her having to face a male opponent, which made her reflect on the situation and the implications surrounding gender in elite sports.

Bergman did not raise her concerns solely to seek a retroactive gold medal, but rather to advocate for changes that would ensure fair conditions for all competitors in the future. She emphasized that the gender dynamics in elite sports should not mirror those in society, where individuals have the right to exist as they wish. She pointed out the necessity for safety measures in competitive settings and indicated that current practices might not adequately respond to the complexities of gender identity.

With a call for gender testing to be implemented alongside doping tests, Bergman hopes to contribute to a safer competitive environment for future athletes. Her statements introduce a critical dialogue about gender identity and safety in sports, raising awareness of the need for policies that protect all competitors while maintaining fairness and integrity within the sport.