Over the years, MMA and the UFC have seen their share of controversies surrounding performance-enhancing drugs, including steroids. Some of the most shocking cases involve top fighters at the peak of their careers testing positive. World champions and top contenders have been caught with various substances in their system while competing in the UFC.
Steroid Scandals in the UFC
Some steroid users in the UFC were champions such as Anderson Silva or Jon Jones, while other were unstoppable wrecking machines like Alistair Overeem or Chael Sonnen. It makes you curious, they clearly work. For trying anabolic steroids check it out right here.
One of the most shocking cases was Anderson Silva, widely regarded as one of the greatest UFC fighters of all time. In 2015, Silva tested positive for anabolic steroids after his fight with Nick Diaz, stunning fans and the MMA community. This was particularly surprising given Silva’s lean physique and his previous clean record.
Another prominent case involved Jon Jones, considered one of the most naturally gifted fighters in UFC history. Jones has failed multiple drug tests throughout his career, including a positive test for Turinabol after his fight with Daniel Cormier at UFC 217. Initially facing a 4-year suspension, Jones’ ban was later reduced to 15 months.
Less surprising was Alistair Overeem. The man’s lats were wings. He was known for his impressive physique transformation from 205 to heavyweight, tested positive for elevated testosterone levels in 2012. This resulted in a nine-month suspension and raised questions about his rapid muscle gain.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett has a long history with PEDs, testing positive multiple times throughout his career. His first positive test came after winning the UFC Heavyweight Championship in 2002, resulting in him being stripped of the title. Barnett’s repeated offenses have significantly impacted his career.
In May 2014, Chael Sonnen failed a random drug test administered bthat revealed the presence of two banned substances: anastrozole and clomiphene. The situation worsened when Sonnen failed a second drug test in June 2014. This time, he tested positive for human growth hormone, recombinant human erythropoietin, anastrozole, and human chorionic gonadotropin. All of which Sonnen has been entirely open and honest about his usage.
Tim Sylvia, another former UFC heavyweight champion, tested positive for the anabolic steroid Stanozolol in 2003 after defending his title. Sylvia admitted to using the drug to improve his physique and voluntarily relinquished his championship as a show of remorse.
These cases represent some of the most high-profile steroid scandals in MMA and UFC history.