Trainer and fitness guru Mike Dolce doesn’t sound happy about USADA’s plan to ban the use of IVs following UFC weigh-ins.
Rehydrating intravenously following a weight cut is fairly standard practice for most fighters, allowing them to balloon back up in a few short hours. Pedialyte just doesn’t cut it.
Not good news for someone like Dolce, someone athletes pay to help them get the most out of their bodies, literally.
“I think it’s ridiculous, and it’s not official yet,” Dolce told fans via an online Q&A (via Bloody Elblow). “There’s a lot of laws surrounding that, where USADA was brought in, the out of season testing, and they’re licensed through the UFC. They don’t have a direct effect on the athletic commissions. Now, the rules of sport are governed by the athletic commissions and as of right now, the athletic commission does not ban the use of intravenous fluids post-weigh in for rehydration purposes.
“So, there is a serious legal issue at hand. And, if that is banned, it will be the worst possible day in MMA, because you will see a lot of very serious brain injuries as a result of that.”
USADA CEO Travis Tygart told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto that IVs over 50ml are allowed until Oct. 1 as a sort of grace period, but camps are already starting to voice concern.
Nova Uniao chief Andre Pederneiras believes the rule will spur many fighters to move up in weight, rather than spend months cutting down with restrictive diets.
“Someone would die because of [brain injuries] and that’s exactly what I was saying,” Dolce continued. “So, I don’t think the people involved in the sport will actually allow that for a combat sport like mixed martial arts, it makes no sense.
“I mean, let the USADA officials stand there and watch every athlete on a drip, that’s fine. I know they’re trying to get rid of drugs, which I think is awesome. But, you can’t risk the health of the athlete, it’s just so close-minded. It’s dangerous, it’s dangerous. That’s my take on it.”
5 MUST-READ STORIES
‘Regrettably…’ Gilbert Melendez suspended for failing drug test; pulled from Al Iaquinta bout later this month. ‘I did not inject anything, but I am responsible and accept the consequences for the results.’
Oh well. Chael Sonnen shoots down rumors of a comeback and reflects on his career. ‘I was very proud of the fact that I would fight anybody at any time. Period.’
Clean. UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo’s controversial out-of-competition drug test comes back clean.
‘I want to break something.’ With Gilbert Melendez suspended, Al Iaquinta elects to undergo knee surgery to repair a nagging injury.
‘I just don’t understand.’ Jorge Masvidal says ‘not one person’ is happy about the USADA ban on IVs. ‘There has to be a way that we can get hydrated and keep it safe.’
Watch The MMA Hour with Chael Sonnen, Al Iaquinta, Paddy Holohan, Jorge Masvidal, Cody Garbrandt, Dan Lambert, Peter Carroll.
MEDIA STEW
UFC embedded episode 5.
Dan Hardy breaks down UFC 189.
This was taped prior to Aldo’s official withdrawal but a pretty introspective interview with McGregor.
Countdown to UFC 189: Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald.
Highlights from M-1 Challenge 59: Kharitonov vs. Garner.
TTTHS.
Long watches.
Knuckle Up #358: All Conspiracy, All the Time w/Aldo, McGregor, Rousey, Cyborg
…
UFC Hall of Fame media conference call
…
TWEETS
Damn, Gilbert.
“Just say No “
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) July 7, 2015
I never judge anyone fro doing anything . not taking PED’s has been a personal Descision for Me . Everyone does shit differently .
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) July 7, 2015
I been blessed, I never felt the need to take anything , but we are in a tough sport highly competitive , I understand why guys do stuff
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) July 7, 2015
One a thing is for sure , You will never see a positive test on my end , i barley like protein powder !!
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) July 7, 2015
If I showed you my supplement program You would absolutely erupt in laughter
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) July 7, 2015
I know a guy!! Always game, Drug and PED free
— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) July 6, 2015
“@lesaboteur87: So does @Cowboycerrone want to fight Iaquinta for something to do in the interim? Got to make that money. I sure like money
— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) July 6, 2015
“@RyanGinger1: @Cowboycerrone have you ever been offered PEDs or known 100% sure that another fighter was taking them?” Yes and yes
— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) July 6, 2015
Wow Gil say it ain’t so!
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) July 6, 2015
What the Funk is up with people and their supplements and PED-using minds? I don’t take crap unless it’s a gummy multi-vitamins. #ForWhy?
— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) July 6, 2015
MMA, why you break my heart all the time?
— Julie Kedzie (@julesk_fighter) July 6, 2015
Wowwwww Another 1 bites the dust #TestMeAnytime #UFC https://t.co/N4ZOxMiZ3y
— Robert Whiteford (@Flyinjudoka) July 6, 2015
Man if I got popped for tainted supplements I’d be screaming what it was from the roof tops so no one else would get fucked over
— David Michaud (@bulldawgUFC) July 6, 2015
IV reactions.
My response to this don’t cut so much damn weight. I do my own diet and never used an IV. Simple!!! https://t.co/UGmmPC8UJo
— Demetrious Johnson (@MightyMouseUFC) July 6, 2015
I love the new PED and IV ban in the UFC. I never took an IV in my life after a weigh-in. IVs are for wimps! #BeerAndHotDogs
— BJ PENN (@bjpenndotcom) July 6, 2015
It’s the biggest joke ever. If you aren’t sticking needles in your arm to fight the guy gets a 15 pound advantage. #FightLikeAMan
— BJ PENN (@bjpenndotcom) July 6, 2015
#TwoBelts #HallOfFame #NoIV #NoPED #(: #gottabearecord
— BJ PENN (@bjpenndotcom) July 6, 2015
JCVD.
On the set in Thailand with the 2 legends and stars of the original Kickboxer movie! pic.twitter.com/rywB0cN26G
— Georges St-Pierre (@GeorgesStPierre) July 6, 2015
Happy anniversary.
2 years ago today I did what I said I was going to do. I finished Silva and took home that Gold for the first time. pic.twitter.com/gXchUHaCyh
— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) July 6, 2015
DC on his injury.
Guys calm down I was never fighting ufc 191. They asked I told them I need a little time. Hoping to be ready a month later in Houston. DC
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) July 6, 2015
This is nothing new, we reported this and the exact procedure I am having 2 weeks ago on @UFCTonight inside the octagon w/@arielhelwani
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) July 6, 2015
He gone.
@Y2CASEY nope, Joe silva personally called me. can’t tell you how happy I am to be out of that prison sentence
— Ryan Jimmo (@RyanJimmo) July 7, 2015
Beef.
Has anyone seen a polish kid running around? Me and @BellatorMMA are looking for him.
— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) July 6, 2015
Be careful.
Headed to the @DavidYurman jewelry store at the Caesar Forum shops! If you are around the … https://t.co/uGDNEO4VdU pic.twitter.com/ZQjyJiqF7r
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) July 7, 2015
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced yesterday (July 6 2015)
cancelled Al Iaquinta vs. Gilbert Melendez at UFC Fight Night: Duffee vs. Mir
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via TeepToTheJunk.
Poll: Featherweight according to fightmatrix.
The State of Featherweight According to Fight Matrix:
Sooo…fightmatrix tracks fighters based on various criteria, and assigns points for certain things. Among sites they appear to use reasonably refined criteria in evaluating rank. Here’s their FW picture.
25-1 Featherweight GOAT Jose Aldo is their obvious #1 (no shock) by many points. The rest of the list is interesting. Edgar most likely based on strength of competition and the Faber win comes in comfortably at #2. Bellator badass Pitbull is #3. Mendes next then Holloway THEN Conor. Conor’s win over #31 Siver apparently wasn’t counted heavily lol.
…
Check out the rest of the post here.
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