Performance Enhancing Drugs in MMA: Problem or Not?
Through years of speculation, including a 2009 positive test, it still surprised the MMA world when UFC Hall-of-Famer Ken Shamrock admitted to using steroids during his fighting days. “The World’s Most Dangerous Man” previously admitted to using performance enhancers while moonlighting as a professional wrestler, but he took it to the next level on this past Friday, June 11 th episode of Inside MMA by responding “absolutely” to the question. He, on numerous occasions, had denied the use of steroids while competing in MMA, even after being suspended by the CSAC for a positive test last year.
The rumors have circulated for some time now. Looking at Shamrock during the early and mid 1990’s, he was one big muscle mass that was defined with a chisel while competing around 215 pounds. When he transitioned into the WWE during the late 1990’s he added even more muscle and had to be near 240-245 pounds. However, when he returned to MMA in the early 2000’s he dropped weight and competed at light-heavyweight (205-pounds).
In addition to fans, fellow MMA fighters have also insisted that Ken had been using steroids during his fighting days. Among the accusers included UFC legends Royce Gracie and Dan Severn as well as his own brother Frank Shamrock. Ken was quick to dismiss the accusations declaring that they were untrue, but now he has changed his tune and brought some truth to the speculation.
Steroids have been linked to many major sports, including MLB, NFL, and pro wrestling, but it hasn’t been discussed alongside MMA in detail until now. According to Inside MMA, Josh Barnett, Tim Sylvia, Kimo Leopaldo, Nate Marquardt, Vitor Belfort, Stephan Bonnar, Royce Gracie, Phil Baroni, Sean Sherk, Hermes Franca, Dennis Hallman, Antonio Silva, Chris Leben, and Shamrock have all tested positive for performance enhancing drugs at some point in their respective careers. The list is long, some admit afterwards whereas others maintain their innocence even after the fact.
Is it a problem in MMA? Many have been suspended or accused and then forgotten, it doesn’t seem to be a sticking point in this sport just yet. On the same episode of Inside MMA, UFC fighter Dennis Hallman estimated that probably 50% of fighters are using or have used PED’s during their careers. Although that is not a proven statistic, it does bring light to the question and answers that maybe it is more of a problem that we think. Hallman goes on to defend the use of PED’s by concluding that they are needed in order to help recovery. In a sport that staying active is how you make your livelihood, you have to stay healthy somehow.
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The debate as to who used PED’s, why they used them or what kinds of PED’s were used should be irrelevant at this particular time. The bottom line is that they are illegal no matter where you fight in the United States. With that being said, maybe with this admission by Shamrock, officials should take a closer look into the use of PED’s in MMA. On the other hand, should they be legalized and monitored as to who can use them and when they can be used? Let’s save that lengthy debate for another time.
By Nick Russell
ProFighting-fans.com Senior MMA Staff Writer