Rosi Sexton kicks Debi Purcell. Photo by Dave Mandel / Sherdog
This is a guest editorial by Rosi Sexton, top 10 pound-for-pound women's MMA fighter and osteopath.
When I saw the news on twitter last night, I felt a little like a ten year old whose parents have just admitted that Santa Claus doesn't exist. A tiny bit disappointed, but mostly relieved that now we can all stop pretending.
I'm not going to talk about Cyborg, though. Partly because we haven't yet heard her side of the story, but also because she's only the tip of a very large iceberg. It's the issues that the story raises that I'm interested in.
To people within MMA, it usually comes as no surprise when a fighter tests positive for steroids. It's generally accepted that there are a lot of fighters out there who use banned performance enhancing drugs (estimates range from "a significant minority" to "almost all"), but most of the time they get past the limited testing that is put in place either by timing their steroid use carefully, using masking agents or both. It's only when someone makes a mistake that they get caught.
Because of this, performance enhancing drugs are often seen as a non-issue. "They're all taking it anyway, so what's the problem?".
The problem is that this is a combat sport. In most sports, the consequences of failure might be measured in pride, status or money. In MMA, you add physical damage and injury. In female MMA, for example, you can find yourself watching a fighter who is essentially (in hormonal terms) male, beat up a woman. It often makes for uncomfortable viewing. It's bad for the sport, and most of all it's bad for the fighters. It sends the message that following the rules is penalized by getting your face smashed in.
Nobody doubts that those fighters who use illegal substances still have to work hard. To be amongst the best in the world, that's essential. But there are physiological limits to what can be achieved with hard work alone. At the top levels, where most fighters are already working close to their maximum training capacity, and everyone has solid technique, the added advantage that performance enhancing drugs can give is significant and in some cases insurmountable.
For fighters, then, there's a huge incentive to exploit any loopholes. You might not want to cheat to gain an advantage over your opponents, but at the same time you don't want to be at a disadvantage if "everyone else is doing it".
Tougher penalties alone won't do. The testing procedures used in MMA are (on the whole) outdated enough that fighters are confident that with a little knowledge they can avoid getting caught. Occasionally, a fighter is careless or unlucky enough to test positive and receives a fine and a ban as a token sacrifice to the gods of public opinion and sporting legitimacy. Meanwhile, other fighters breathe a sigh of relief that on this occasion it wasn't them. Everything carries on as normal.
This approach isn't working. So what's the answer?
We have a choice to make. We can decide that we want steroids out of the sport. In that case, athletic commissions, governing bodies, promotions alike need to work together to implement gold standard drug policies. The World Anti-Doping Agency work with sporting organizations and produce model rules and protocols for testing. As a minimum, off season random testing of fighters is essential. It might never be possible to get rid of performance enhancing drugs entirely, but it's possible to tighten the net and change the balance between risk and reward in favour of the clean athlete. Some of the athletic commissions are starting to move towards stricter testing, but much more still needs to be done.
Or, we can decide that all this is too much trouble. The point is often made that MMA is more a business than a sport, and it's true that many casual fans are more concerned about seeing exciting fights than what the athletes are taking before they get into the cage.
If this is the route we want to go down then we should change the rules and allow athletes to use these drugs freely, without the stigma of "cheating" attached. Of course there are risks and side effects - but we could at least have an honest, grown up discussion about the medical issues, without the hypocrisy that surrounds the subject at the moment. Athletes could make an informed decision to balance the risks of the drugs against the risks of being the one not taking them. Neither set of risks should be underestimated.
As a fighter I've never used steroids, and I don't want to start now. Of the two options, I'd prefer to see an improved standard of testing. But the important thing for the sport and everyone involved in it, is that we come clean about it one way or the other.
Rosi's blog can be read here and you can visit the Combat Sports Clinic for her osteopathic work.
23 recs | 93 comments
From your lips to God's ears...
Or barring that, at least Dana, Bjorn, Keith, et. Al.
Snatchl - January 7, 2012
There is a difference between Dana and God?
Dana doesn’t seem to think so.
Jonathan. - January 7, 2012
I may be in the minority but
I watch to see who is the best, not necessarily for exciting fights.
Ricardo Arguello - January 7, 2012
Maybe for some fans, but “exciting” fights and fighters are always awarded but is the award greater than the risk?
Keren - January 7, 2012
What does she mean “now we can stop pretending”? Only a few fighters and other sports figures have tested positive for steroids, and you have no proof anyone else is taking them. Therefore only a few people are taking them, and they have all been caught.(Sarcasm if you cant tell.)
metaldome - January 7, 2012
Liking these guest posts.
mma.ly - January 7, 2012
I completely agree with her
I doubt we’ll see any change though
GBH713 - January 7, 2012
One name: Lyle Alzado. PEDS are for fakes, and I say that as a wrestling mark. When I discovered how widespread steroid use was, I couldn’t cheer for any of them who used, which was most of them, obviously. That’s why Mick Foley is my hero. He achieved more with less, made more money, than most of these hokey cheaters combined. I cursed the day my Cardinals signed McGwire, and stopped watching them until he was gone. Lifetime ban for all fighters getting busted. Sorry, but if you have to use them, you are either in the wrong weight class, or were never meant to be a prizefighter in the first place. Short term gains weighed against the lifetime of aftereffects is a sad commentary on sports in general. To Hell with steroids. No, that doesn’t go for pot, as dude below thought people would automatically assume thee hype about weed. Steroids= Chris Benoit. Weed=Bob Marley. No marijuana overdoses EVER! I’m not a fool to believe the hype. But a tribute video made for fallen athletes and wrestlers who ruined their bodies with the crap would be the length of “Gone With The Wind.” RUNTELLTHAT!
Mr. Socko - January 8, 2012 via mobile
I enjoyed this, Rosi Sexton,
yellopanda - January 7, 2012
Nodded in agreement throughout this entire post.
Although I would like to see tougher penalties in addition to better testing. Lifetime ban. One strike and you’re out forever. You’ve proven you’re a cheater or you’re very stupid (“I didn’t know!”) and either way, there is no room for you in the sport.
IKiIIed007 - January 7, 2012
Right on the money
The current stance on PEDs (in all sports, not just MMA) is hypocritical and illogical. We need to start having honest conversations with ourselves about defining precisely what constitutes cheating and what we think constitutes an appropriate response.
Patrick Wyman - January 7, 2012
agreed
I’m not totally anti-science, but I really don’t want sports to become contests between two rival lab’s science projects. It could very quickly turn into arms races. I think a line could be clearly draw on what cheating is and then take real steps to test and enforce the rules.
T.P. Grant - January 7, 2012
I don't want to hear Mike Goldberg talking about who is using more gear during a fight.
And I don’t want pre-fight analysis to go “While Cesar Gracie and Firas Zahabi are both elite level coaches in MMA, Georges St Pierre’s test stack designed by Victor Conte will give him the edge over Nick Diaz who sticks to more herbal remedies.”
pdl - January 7, 2012
Exactly this.
I signed in specifically to rec this.
Kent Carter - January 7, 2012
lol more herbal remedies… nice
UncleMax - January 7, 2012
Oh, pdl.
Magnificent.
Shotokanman - January 8, 2012
Thank you for saying this.
Earl Montclair - January 7, 2012
Legalize it
Genki Sudo's Choreographer - January 7, 2012
Cypress Hill will advertise it
jammin.. - January 7, 2012
It seems for some fighters its getting to a point where passing the pre and post fight drug screenings are harder than the fight
ChuteLegend - January 7, 2012
I found this an incredibly well written article and is a great argument for why this conversation is so important
troyd - January 7, 2012 via mobile
This is about as succinct and well-said a statement on steroids as I’ve seen. Makes those 800-comment steroid arguments on this site look pretty silly, doesn’t it?
crazybones - January 7, 2012
The 'steroids discussion' is something that has been a regular topic from Rosi for a while now.
I am personally not very optimistic regarding random, out-of-season style testing. Until Big Brother hooks everybody up, fighters will be at different gyms when the testers come, testers will come when the gym is closed, or the issue will become one of corruption within the system. (What system? Who will manage everything? I’m not interested in some skeevy “BMMABOC”) If fighters are required to report to facilities at short notice, who’s gonna cover their shifts, compensate for loss of earnings, look after their kids?
ToffeeA - January 7, 2012
Legalize it all.
I am convinced most fighters are on some PED or another, whether it’s legal or illegal. I think just like how some fighters will be able to afford the best coaches and training partners, others will be able to buy designer drugs and are willing to pollute their bodies with that crap. Is it fair to those who don’t use? No, but there is no increased risk because they are already competing with fighters who dope. Whether it is legal or illegal will not change things. I they want to use, they will. And if people see athletes as role models, they probably should realign their perceptions.
pud333 - January 7, 2012 via mobile
telling people that they HAVE to use dangerous drugs just to compete
is a horrible message
Cory Braiterman - January 7, 2012
Steriods are not harmless
But they are far, far from dangerous when used responsibly. The perception that the wide public has on PEDs is grossly misinformed and leans towards sensationalism.
Genki Sudo's Choreographer - January 7, 2012
I wonder just how prevalent it is in MMA today.
mma.ly - January 7, 2012
Who knows?
That’s one of the main issues here.
pud333 - January 7, 2012
If you don't think they're widespread
and in use by a large portion of the athletes, then I think you’re somewhat delusional.
Cory Braiterman - January 7, 2012
Original post.
What I believe. I just have no actual proof. :)
pud333 - January 7, 2012
good for that much
thats a rec
Cory Braiterman - January 7, 2012
I'm really unclear on how "dangerous" steroids are
I know if you use it too often and in high doses, it can really mess up your body, but that’s true of literally any substance known to man. I mean, you can make water sound dangerous if you want, and I suspect that’s what a lot of anti-PED people are doing.
crazybones - January 7, 2012
Making steroids illegal
Back in the 80s really shifted the general public’s understanding of anabolics in a completely negative way, and since then the conversation has been dominated by sensationalism and fear-mongering. Are steroids good for you? No, of course they’re not. Should professional athletes be allowed to use them under the strict supervision of a specially-qualified doctor? I believe so, though I understand the arguments to the contrary even if I don’t necessarily agree with them. I’d rather have professional athletes – especially fighters, who don’t have the kinds of resources other athletes do – using these kinds of substances safely rather than relying on the advice of nefarious characters.
Patrick Wyman - January 7, 2012
"Steroids"
..are basically a drug that mimics a hormone/compound used by the body. Like testosterone, or antihistamines, or that cream you got from the pharmacy to get rid of that rash that one time.
Performance enhancing drugs are the real issue here, steroids is a term that gets abused like hell. Every other person seems to be an expert at detecting ‘steroids’. Just ask my dad about that time he accused me of being on roids… in the pub… in front of my godmother & everyone in my local.
ToffeeA - January 7, 2012
lol
That must have been an interesting visit to the pub. Were you a little too buff for dad’s liking?
UncleMax - January 7, 2012
Yes, but...
In a discussion like this one it’s a colloquial term for anabolic androgenic steroids. You’re right there’s a lot of confusion (and it leads to the “treating an injury” defense), though.
ThisOneGoesToEleven - January 7, 2012
They can be used relatively safely
when used and monitored correctly. One of the problems though is it is considered unethical to conduct studies on the performance enhancing properties of the various drugs, doses, combinations, etc. As a result, there is the unintentional side effect of creating the thought among athletes (and others) that is all too often a version of “if Bob did 300mg/week of test cyp and got those results, think what it will do for me if I do 300mg every day!?!”
The American Ronin - January 10, 2012
I would love to see the studies that show that continuous usage of PEDs is healthy
I’d also love to see how you prevent someone from using them “responsibly” vs. using too much. That sounds like some pie in the sky desire that isn’t equal to the real world.
Cory Braiterman - January 7, 2012
There are millions of individuals
Healthy individuals, that use PEDs. If you would like to know about the real world, there is plenty of research on dosages, cycles and the effects and side effects of different substances. Just like anything else. A doctor who specializes in anobolic steroids could create a safe program for any individual. (think Dan Henderson, Chael or Todd Duffee with slightly higher levels)
There’s not much of a redeeming health quality in alcohol either, but people still drink responsibly, yes, responsibly vs. using too much.
Acne, bitch tits, lowered sperm count? all preventable, and reversibly after use.
Roid rage? Increased test makes you more agressive, it doesn’t turn you psychotic.
Heart, kidney, liver issues? All from cases of extreme abuse.
Genki Sudo's Choreographer - January 7, 2012
you mean just when they take the test? because I don’t have to work that hard to imagine it…
T.P. Grant - January 7, 2012
The two key words in your post are ...
… “a doctor” …
That means a REAL doctor. Not some dude at the gym.
Beau Dure - January 7, 2012
Exactly
By legalising it, and regulating it, people can go to a licensed doctor and not some “expert” at the gym who gets his substances from who knows where and from what materials.
Genki Sudo's Choreographer - January 7, 2012
This is a huge part of the problem – even if you are getting legit information, and I know, it is a big if, but even then you have no real idea of the quantity or quality of what drug you are getting (or if you are even getting the correct one at all).
The American Ronin - January 10, 2012
Sorry
but what you just wrote is a load of nonsense and doesn’t answer my question. You mentioned three individuals, who either legitimately or not, have a condition that states they need replacement therapy in order to continue MMA as a career, not otherwise “healthy” individuals. It also does not address my question of “where is the study that shows that continuous usage of PEDs is healthy”. They’re able to compete, but at whatever cost that is not known because it’s a long term effect.
Come back and try again without using platitudes and give me examples if you want to legalize something that has actually proven to be unhealthily dangerous.
Cory Braiterman - January 7, 2012
What specifically is nonsense?
They don’t NEEd it, they take it because they can. Henderson has no condition at all and is a perfectly healthy individual. I was using them as an example to show that with a licensed professional, testosterone can be administered safely.
I’d like to see where your studies are that show the unhealthy long term effects.
Again, no where in any of my posts do i say PEDs are safe or without dangers, what I’m saying is, they can absolutely be used safely in a regimented and monitored cycle by a professional.
Genki Sudo's Choreographer - January 7, 2012
Edit*
Chael needs it.
Genki Sudo's Choreographer - January 7, 2012
I misread your comment
How do you prevent responsible use vs abuse? By regulating it. You can ask the same question about legally prescribed pain killers that fighters use. People will abuse things, that’s life, you shouldn’t use that as a reason to prohibit it from responsible, regulated use.
Genki Sudo's Choreographer - January 7, 2012
Everyone is different
The problem with people not using a Dr to administer hormones is one person could triple their testosterone level for great gains and still be in the normal range while another person would run the risk of liver damage from the same dosage due to already high natural levels. Such treatment and testing is very expensive. When you start talking about more exotic PED’s the risk and expense is even higher. To make such drugs available for pure sporting use would be a bad choice and its simply never going to happen. A few basic steps could make PED use too risky for most fighters to consider using them but as it sits now the risk of being caught is just way too low.
MadNachos - January 7, 2012 via mobile
Because the best way to describe professional athletes is "responsible"
pdl - January 7, 2012
Actually
Yes.
Genki Sudo's Choreographer - January 7, 2012
^^^This^^^
Is so very true…
The American Ronin - January 10, 2012
Of course it is.
But no one is saying they HAVE to use. But I’m sure there are some people who will perceive it as such.
Here’s my take: Nothing is natural with the way sports are these days. You have swimmers with special swim suits to make them go faster, you have goalies with pads so big they block most of the net, etc. They’re all technological advantages. Why are we kidding ourselves with PEDs? Why not a chemical advantage while we’re at it? And I’m sorry, as for “legal” substances, I just don’t think anything engineered in a lab is “natural.”
If they legalize it, they can tax it, register users so they can monitor the drug and the fighter, and make it available only through legal outlets with proper health clearance. Regulating it is about the best you can do. Yes, there are people that will do things illegally still, yes people will push boundaries, and yes the black market will exist in one way or another, but at the end of the day, PEDs will just be another in a long line of things parents discourage their children from doing, at their discretion. Like smoking or stripping.
The other alternative is to really beef up testing, and make penalties so harsh that fighters will think twice before using, as well as set up an enforcement branch that has real power. I’m not talking about a year penalty, I’m talking about nation-wide policies and setting a strike rule which results in huge fines and ultimate banning from the sport. But I’m sure there are those that still will use. The current system is not viable or effective. It has no teeth.
pud333 - January 7, 2012
uh
A) that has nothing to do with a PED and B) the exact dimensions are regulated by the sport. Equipment is a part of the sport, willingly doing even more damage to your body just to keep up with the Jones’ is not something that should ever be encouraged.
I have zero problems with beefing up testing and punishment, that’s the first thing you’ve said so far in here I agree with.
Cory Braiterman - January 7, 2012
Why not regulate PEDs the way you regulate equipment? Obviously they would have different guidelines…
In a perfect world, I would rather testing be more strenuous and punishment be harsh, but I actually see that less likely of happening. There just seems no incentive or political will to make it happen, and it will be tough to make things standard across every state and athletic commission, because I doubt commissions would like losing what power they have.
Anyway, I think we’re gonna have to agree to disagree on this one. Time to eat a steak full of hormones. :)
pud333 - January 7, 2012
permitting them to be widely used
also means they have to be more exactly tested for. That last bit seems to not be something that the governing bodies want to do, whether it be financial or political or what.
So we have to settle for the half-assed testing that still manages to catch a half-dozen or so schmucks a year.
Cory Braiterman - January 7, 2012
They are regulated. And for the most part they are banned, due to constituting and unfair advantage and being dangerous to participants. Just as dangerous or unfair equipment is banned in other sports.
VenusBlue - January 7, 2012
Beautiful.
Just like plaster under your gloves, or Vaseline on the body, Aoki-pants, etc.
Shotokanman - January 8, 2012
Because if I want to fight, and compete, I shouldn't have to stick a needle in my ass to do it just because everyone else is using it "safely."
That’s the long and short of it, it’s fucking unnatural. You can’t get that shit in nature, from food or your body, in those quantities. It’s literally cheating nature, and if I don’t want to do it, well, tough shit because everyone else is. That’s fucking weak.
Just like pdl said, we want to see who the best fighter is, not who has the best stack.
Personally, I think steroid use is a sign of mental weakness, especially so in those that use it to fight as opposed to riding a bike or whatever.
That’s why a guy like Brock squeals like a bitch and starts break dancing when he gets hit, and a guy like BJ just blinks, talks to himself a little, and keeps eating GSP elbows until he can’t even see any more.
Shotokanman - January 8, 2012
Cory Braiterman - January 7, 2012
NEEDS MORE
vivero - January 7, 2012
I think you have to make testing much tougher and deal out harsher punishments.
Random testing, more comprehensive test before and after fights, 1-year suspensions for people who fail, 2-strike and your out, etc. Things that will make it against a fighters self-interest to try and cheat the system.
The one reason I am against legalizing it is that it goes against what I think is the spirit of MMA. If you allow people to abuse PEDs (obviously some use will be acceptable) you replace the idea that someone’s skill, training and physical abilities is what won the fight for them with the concept that it is the drugs in their body. MMA for me is about pitting strategies, techniques, abilities and willpower against each other, not who has access to better chemistry.
Of course, i admit right now we have a system that doesn’t work and gives fighters an incentive to use. Who am I to criticize someone who takes a drug to give them an advantage in a sport where both money and preventing yourself from getting your face smashed in your goals?
Continental Op - January 7, 2012
Right on Rosie, Right on !!!
KGW - January 7, 2012
I'm all for the stricter testing, my only concern is...
that MMA becomes like the sport of cycling. It seems like every year half of the guys in the Tour de France test positive for something. We then hear excuses that range from “My sample was tampered with”, “it was a false positive”, to my favorite “I ate a tainted piece of steak”
If they are going to do it, it isn’t going to be easy, and will take a massive effort with Zuffa leading the way.
dpk875 - January 7, 2012
And to further complicate things, it sometimes IS a tainted piece of steak.
One reason for that: The thresholds in some cases in the World Anti-Doping Code are ridiculously low.
Beau Dure - January 7, 2012
Actually..
..that is the exact testing model they need in all pro sports. Despite what most people think they have made huge strides in weeding out the dopers in cycling. The number of people that fail tests in the TDF is very low now and the level of testing they do is unmatched anywhere. Look into the details of their anti-doping program…its impressive. MMA fighters simply don’t have deep enough pockets to game that system.
MadNachos - January 7, 2012 via mobile
Indeed
Cycling really has done itself proud when it comes to deal with the massive PED problem they had until very recently. Well, perhaps not so much in the case of Alberto Contador, but yes. Regardless, it’s a sport that was full of cheats & has now managed to clean up & restore the reputation.
I read an article on Friday about Mark Cavendish admitting missing an out of contest drug test last year. Whether that was a genuine mistake or not is not really the point here, what is is that he said he was still tested around 60 times last year.
That is the degree of testing that is needed in MMA if it really wants to eradicate PED use & clean up the sport. And that means Zuffa taking the initiative rather than relying on state athletic commisions who really don’t have the budget to test a fighter who trains in Holland, or Japan or England. MMA would need international oversight, just like almost all sports. The boxing model is simply inadequate.
forkboy - January 7, 2012
She raises a good point. Most people inside the MMA community seem to think that PEDs are widespread. Might as well go one way or the other, rather than doing just enough to make the sport look clean then pretending nothing is happening.
However, the current regime is a much easier sell in terms of cost and publicity than either of the options Rosi is suggesting.
jammin.. - January 7, 2012
Rosi Sexton you rule btw
Excellent piece. And thanks for answering me on Twitter and at FighterGirls, and good luck against Aisling Daly. Hope to see you in Strikeforce if they open a W125 division (or Bellator since I guess they still have you under contract).
Chromium - January 7, 2012
Must-Watch Documentary
Scott C. Broussard - January 7, 2012
Didn't one of the main guys in this
Die not that long ago?
KJ Gould - January 7, 2012
the brother of the director died. He was a pro wrestler if I am not mistaken. I think he took his own life.
b2tharad - January 7, 2012
He actually died huffing some sort of cleaning chemicals while in drug rehab.
Really.
ThisOneGoesToEleven - January 7, 2012
'Mad Dog'
the one that was jobber for the WWF. He was the one who died shortly after filming.
David Castillo - January 7, 2012
Was that the brother that made the big lift at the end the Director couldn't?
Shotokanman - January 7, 2012
That was his other brother, who also wrestled.
ThisOneGoesToEleven - January 7, 2012
If you believe that these drugs cannot be taken safely...
…you are hopelessly corrupted by propaganda. You also probably think that using marijuana will make you lazy.
The amount of talented nutritionists and trainers in professional sports are more than capable figuring out how to safely and effectively use steroids.
Oh, and for those that think steroids are evil and can do no good…go ask an asthma patient whether they think steroids have any benefits. This country uses tons of steroids for all manner of things. The fact that we are afraid to let professionals and grown adults, who are apparently free, not make these choices for themselves is hypocritical and embarrassing.
Corrupted - January 7, 2012
Damage to your opponent can increase dramatically
asa - January 7, 2012
I pulled that move off, one time only ever, to win an intense game against a live dude.
Probably my greatest video gaming moment ever in life.
Shotokanman - January 8, 2012
I don't think she said that they cannot be used safely.
Cocaine and heroine have all kinds of uses, when used safely. But people don’t use it safely, do they? Just like Juice.
You think if it’s made “legal” for MMA people would abuse it less?
Shotokanman - January 7, 2012
Painkillers can do a lot of good as well, so can anti-depressants, tranquilisers, etc.
Doesn’t mean we should freely hand them out to anyone and everyone, without some kind of medical oversight. And let’s face it, in sports, where the name of the game is gaining an advantage, they will be used unsafely if there’s a possibility of advantage.
VenusBlue - January 7, 2012
This is excellent work. Thanks for posting.
“It sends the message that following the rules is penalized by getting your face smashed in.”
This is fucking beautiful. I love it when someone crystalizes something that has been floating around in my own cranium.
“In female MMA, for example, you can find yourself watching a fighter who is essentially (in hormonal terms) male, beat up a woman.”
See, I get shit for saying this all the time, it’s awesome to hear it coming from a female fighter. Thank you.
Shotokanman - January 7, 2012
I loved the line about the hormones.
She’s totally right, it’s very different with female fighters because they’re literally masculinizing themselves.
ThisOneGoesToEleven - January 7, 2012
Don't let perfect be the enemy of the good
Could MMA promoters come up with a foolproof system to make sure no one ever does anything? Probably not.
Can the powers that be come up with a system that has enough tests to make sure people aren’t grossly abusing their bodies? Hell, yes.
Beau Dure - January 7, 2012
Simple truly random testing would help a bit, but it would take
no-notice, anytime, anywhere, always have to let (whoever is going to run this, USADA perhaps) know where you are and when you will be leaving to eliminate the vast majority of it.
There are always new ways being developed to get around any test, but relatively few MMA fighters would have the resources to engage in this sort of one-upmanship.
Of course, those who do would further separate themselves from the pack…
The American Ronin - January 10, 2012
Poor Gina
She never stood a chance :-(
Bill P. - January 7, 2012
To Rosi Sexton, PhD:
Hey, girl. ’Sup.
Unabomberman - January 7, 2012
Great article
I really enjoyed reading this and hearing the point of view of an insider. Do I buy an MMA fighter saying “Everybody does it… except me”? Not entirely, but I appreciate the sentiment ;)
I would love to see random off season testing and a clean sport. Really, I guess that I personally don’t really care either way, but I would love to see this get ironed out one way or the other so everybody can play on an even playing field.
Again, good read, thanks :)
Mr.Ection - January 7, 2012
Of course...
I don’t expect you to take my word for it. And that’s exactly my point – you shouldn’t have to. Talk is cheap, and every athlete claims to be clean, but there should be enough random testing in MMA to at least reduce (if not remove) suspicion.
(As an aside, if you or anyone else want to pay for a drug testing agency to come and find me any time of the day or night and do an on the spot test – then please be my guest. Message me on Facebook and we can get it organised.)
Thanks for all the positive comments. It’s good to know that I’m just saying what so many people were already thinking.
rosi.sexton - January 11, 2012
Wanted to wait until the traffic died down a bit here...
While there will never be perfect testing, as I’m sure you know, the dirty little semi-secret is that synthetic epitestosterone (which, of course, has no legit medical usage) is pretty widely available in most high level training circles, which essentially eliminates the T/E ratio test that is used by the ACs for MMA from being any sort of useful front line test.
As someone previously involved on the SC side, who has seen way too much of this stuff first hand, it is my opinion that the only people getting caught under any testing system aside from random, anytime/anywhere, no notice are the foolish, the naive, the ignorant and, most often at the highest levels of sport, those with black-market product that is not what it is supposed to be (i.e. detection times are very different than the product they thought they were getting).
Without even going into all of the custom and one-off (“designer”) drugs out there, anyone can use hGH and test solution (water based) at virtually any levels they want with almost no worry whatsoever about any tests under the rules currently used, not only by the ACs for MMA and boxing, but most professional ball sports leagues as well.
I realize that the costs are too high for widespread WADA/USADA style, know-where-you-are-24/7-and-can-show-up-at-your-door-demanding-a-sample testing, but if the desire to clean up MMA at the highest levels was there (and it most assuredly is not), it could be structured such that it was a credible threat without having to actually do it often that it could considerably reduce the usage I think.
For what its worth, I am of the opinion that a very significant majority, maybe even something around 80% of professional combat sports athletes (especially men’s MMA/boxing WW and heavier), NFL players and NBA (certain positions in both would have lower numbers) have knowingly used some sort of banned substance as a PED in their careers.
Thoughts?
The American Ronin - January 11, 2012
Totally agree with all this. If there’s going to be any testing at all, the only way to go has to be random anytime / anywhere tests. Perhaps more significant fines (at least of the order of the fighter’s last purse) could be used to help fund testing. Ultimately, though, if the will was there the money could be found.
And if the desire to do this isn’t there, then please let’s be honest about it!
rosi.sexton - January 11, 2012
Its unfortunate because it leaves many left to either do something that is against the rules (and thus by definition cheating) and often illegal, or go in knowing that you are going to be at something of an automatic competitive disadvantage against many, perhaps even most of your opponents.
I have no issue with their use in general, and in competitive sports if the rules allowed for them, but were I a pro athlete, realistically I would be extremely conflicted between my sense of honor (about cheating) versus the reality of making a living (or a better living) in the sport of my choice. It is easy to sit on the side and say I wouldn’t do it, but if it were the difference between me making the roster as a back-up linebacker, or getting huge money as opposed to merely doing well as an NFL lineman, odds are I would probably do it.
Unfortunately the possibility of the rules being changed to officially allow them is non-existent, while the likelihood of any actual effective testing being voluntarily instituted is probably nil as well, so we are left with this system where anyone with any sense at all can cheat almost at will, and I believe most do, putting the honest few at an automatic disadvantage.
I haven’t ever worked with any professional or even high level college female athletes, and I won’t put you in an awkward spot by asking about WMMA, but in your considered opinion is the amount of doping at the highest levels of sport for women about equal to that for men?
Enjoyed what I have read of your blogs so far, especially the weight cutting series. Like yourself I’m sure, I have discussed it online in open forums many times, and I am sometimes shocked at the degrees of ignorance, even among high level pros who should know better (or work with those who do). I’m often torn by wanting to help by explaining in more detail, including IV rehydration and the like, but I just know that some will take that and really harm themselves…
I sincerely hope you do some more pieces here from time to time, the perspective of an elite fighter such as yourself, particularly with your medical training, is always greatly appreciate around these parts…
-David
The American Ronin - January 11, 2012
this is an excellent article, very well written
thank you rosi,
cyborg’s saying her troubles now are from using a SUPPLEMENT;
like so many athletes previously caught, she still can’t MAN up to her
usage
theblade - January 7, 2012
The problem is...
Just saying “well everyone’s using them so lets just not test” will hurt the fighters who for their own reasons just don’t want to use them. Being involved in competitive powerlifting, I sometimes feel I’m the only one not using them. But I’d like to be alive to see 40 and beyond and while some people seem to get away with no problems (at least for awhile), when you dig deeper you find a lot of these guys are having serious internal problems. Some UFC fighters in their 20’s and 30’s are already on testosterone replacement therapy which most likely they will need for life. I’ve seen some powerlifters with low bodyfat and good diets have heart attacks in their 30’s. A lot of fighters don’t want to risk these things but will feel compelled to use them in order to stay competitive. I don’t have a good answer…can we turn back the clock when just hard work and natural talent ruled? I don’t know, certainly powerlifting hasn’t done it. I vote for better testing, at least these fighters will have a “fighting chance” at life when their career in the UFC is over.
Sirus - January 8, 2012
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