The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) decided to ban the therapeutic use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in the state of Nevada, but that won’t immediately affect Dan Henderson’s career.
Scheduled to meet Mauricio Rua at a UFC Fight Night card in Natal, Brazil, on March 23, “Hendo” applied for a TRT exemption for his fight in Brazil, and it will likely be approved by Brazilian MMA Athletic Commission (CABMMA).
“We have (NSAC) as a mirror, but the commissions are not bounded,” CABMMA’s medical director Dr. Marcio Tannure told MMAFighting.com on Thursday. “A decision made there doesn’t mean that we’ll agree here, or the opposite, but it starts a debate about it.
“We already debate this subject for a long time here in Brazil. Is a controversial subject, but it’s on the rule. We may change our dealing or not. We haven’t made a decision about it yet.”
For now, CABMMA will continue to grant TRT exemptions if they think it’s needed.
“It may change in the future like in Nevada,” Dr. Tannure said. “Will it change? I don’t know. It depends on what we think is more correct inside the sport.”
The UFC has two cards scheduled in Brazil, on March 23 and May 31. Dan Henderson and Chael Sonnen, set to headline the events in opposite to Mauricio Rua and Wanderlei Silva, respectively, took TRT in their previous fights. Will they be able to use it in Brazil?
“Chael Sonnen didn’t ask for it yet,” Dr. Tannure said. “Dan Henderson already requested the exemption, but I don’t know yet if he’ll be granted. I believe that Dan Henderson will get an exemption for this fight. I don’t think we’ll change it before that date. It may change in the future, but we need the debate.”
Asked if he approves the use of TRT or would rather have it gone from MMA, Dr. Tannure said he wants to discuss the subject before choosing a side.
“My opinion is: we need a debate,” he said. “After that, we’ll decide if it’s allowed or not. I’m not against or favorable towards TRT.”