Stephan Bonnar. Royce Gracie. Hermes Franca. Mo Lawal. Chris Leben. Nick Diaz. Dave Herman. Nate Marquardt. Forrest Griffin. Josh Barnett. Sean Sherk.
These are just a few of the fighters hit with suspensions while fighting for the UFC, PRIDE or Strikeforce for using banned substance. Dozens more are not listed.
PED use is a major problem in any sport, and various sources seem to indicate that fighters are, easily, getting away with using these pills, creams and patches. It is a problem that will, some day, inevitably lead to tragedy. However, it does not need to be this way.
There are a few simple steps that would effectively force fighters into completely giving up PEDs, and would force cheaters out of the sport. Unfortunately, there is a serious push against these steps against the unsatisfactory status quo MMA currently maintains.
So what can promotions, fighters, athletic commissions and companies do to stop this problem? Why won’t they? Find out right here.