Tag: MMA

UFC’s Pre-Contract PED Screening Won’t Stop Fighters from Cheating

The Nevada State Athletic Commission wasn’t the only one with performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) on the mind today. Following the news that Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal tested positive for anabolic steroids after his Jan. 7 fight with Lorenz Larkin, t…

The Nevada State Athletic Commission wasn’t the only one with performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) on the mind today. 

Following the news that Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal tested positive for anabolic steroids after his Jan. 7 fight with Lorenz Larkin, the UFC had some PED news of its own.

Citing a commitment to the health and safety of its athletes, all incoming UFC and Strikeforce fighters will be subject to a mandatory pre-contract screening for PEDs prior to finalizing a contract, effective Jan. 1, 2012. 

Unfortunately, this will likely do little to actually prevent PED use amongst UFC and Strikeforce fighters. Though I commend Zuffa/the UFC on enacting this pro-active policy—something, after all, is at least better than nothing—it is ultimately little more than a nice sounding PR policy.

In fact, this policy is a perfect example of a flawed syllogism that is often cited in IT security, the “Security Syllogism.” It goes something like this:

  1. To be secure, we must do something.
  2. We are doing something.
  3. Therefore, we are secure. 

The fact that the minor premise (No. 2) meets the condition of the major premise (No. 1) does not necessitate a logical conclusion. The action taken in the minor premise must actually directly address the problem.

To put it a bit more simply, predictable, well-announced drug tests (such as those established by the UFC policy) allow athletes that may be using PEDs to time the tests and ensure their system is clean prior to being tested.

Only regularly occurring, random, out-of-competition tests will suitably ensure that PED abuse is being curbed. The risk of being tested must be so omnipresent that the only reasonable reaction is to not use banned substances at all.

As Sean McCorkle put it on MMAFighting.com’s The MMA Hour, “I think we’d be pretty naive to think that every person who’s ever taken anything was caught.”

Just because a fighter is tested once or twice at a pre-determined interval doesn’t at all mean that they are clean, it just means they didn’t have PEDs in their system when they were tested.

What would a good testing system look like? The World Anti-Doping Agency has already done a majority of the legwork for the UFC and major state athletic commissions by drafting and implementing a harmonized set of anti-doping rules, the World Anti-Doping Code.

So, let’s see the UFC put their money where their mouth is. Take real, meaningful steps towards eliminating the use of PEDs rather than setting up another easily foreseen hurdle.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

What Did the Fighters Do After UFC 1?

On Nov. 12, 1993, the UFC had its first event ever.That night, in Denver, Colorado, a sport was born to see which fighting style would reign supreme over all the others.On that night, Royce Gracie, and Gracie Jiu Jitsu reigned supreme over all other fo…

On Nov. 12, 1993, the UFC had its first event ever.

That night, in Denver, Colorado, a sport was born to see which fighting style would reign supreme over all the others.

On that night, Royce Gracie, and Gracie Jiu Jitsu reigned supreme over all other forms of combat, including boxing, wrestling and catch wrestling.

Now, 18 years later, let’s take a look at where all 10 fighters went after that night.

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Strikeforce: Sorting out the Remaining Title Pictures

In case you were unaware, Strikeforce still exists and has weight divisions with title holders. They also have a few divisions that are wide open as the titles are vacant.The heavyweight division may be folding into the UFC, but the rest of the weight …

In case you were unaware, Strikeforce still exists and has weight divisions with title holders. They also have a few divisions that are wide open as the titles are vacant.

The heavyweight division may be folding into the UFC, but the rest of the weight divisions under the Strikeforce banner still have title pictures that need to be cleared up.

Some, like the lightweight division have a clear champion established. Others, like the light heavyweight  division, are currently vacant and need someone to step up.

Prepare to see through the cloudy title pictures and gain some clarity in the Strikeforce weight divisions.

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Duane Ludwig Talks UFC on FX, Being a Tree Hugger, and More

After beginning his Octagon career with a perfect 2-0 record, Duane “Bang” Ludwig (21-11) spent time fighting outside of the UFC for nearly four years.Following a career in Strikeforce and then the ROF, Ludwig got the call that he would be returning to…

After beginning his Octagon career with a perfect 2-0 record, Duane “Bang” Ludwig (21-11) spent time fighting outside of the UFC for nearly four years.

Following a career in Strikeforce and then the ROF, Ludwig got the call that he would be returning to the highest stage of mixed martial arts, the UFC.

In a recent interview with Bleacher Report’s Garrett Derr, Ludwig discussed his return to the UFC along with his upcoming fight against Josh Neer at UFC on FX.

“I knew it was going to happen,” said Ludwig. “I knew I would return and be fighting in the UFC again someday. The timing of my return wasn’t under the best circumstances. But, I decided I had to take the fight regardless.”

Ludwig’s unmentioned circumstances led him to two consecutive losses to Jim Miller and Darren Elkins in his first two outings.

However, Ludwig would respond by defeating Nick Osipczak at UFC 122 and Amir Sadollah in August of 2011.

The hard-hitting Ludwig is now slated to take on Josh Neer in a few short hours at UFC on FX which will take place in Nashville, Tennessee beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT and 9:00 p.m. ET.

Ludwig will be facing Neer who is currently on the best stretch of his career having won five consecutive bouts. But, “Bang” isn’t the slightest bit surprised of his matchup.

“I actually wasn’t too surprised. We’re all aware that the UFC creates great matchups”, said Ludwig. “I think they made another great matchup between Josh and I.”

“I really like my matchup against Josh. I feel I have a few advantages heading into our bout. I feel that my speed and power will help me greatly. I also think my footwork, timing, creativity, combinations, and wrestling are a step ahead of his”, said Ludwig.

While Ludwig certainly feels he has the upper hand over Neer, he certainly isn’t taking his opponent lightly, by any stretch of the imagination.

“Josh is an all-around great fighter. I feel like he has a stronger ground game than I do for the most part”, said Ludwig.

As Ludwig moves forward in his career, he’s not necessarily concerned with what the future may hold as his main focus is on Neer.

“A UFC title isn’t even in my sight right now. Only Josh is in my cross-hairs. However, another win especially over Josh will be great for my career at this point in time”, said Ludwig.

In fact, Ludwig feels that he’s already accomplished his goals in life as simple as they may sound.

“I’m accomplishing my goal of happiness. Training and fighting is in my blood”, said Ludwig. “Being able to do these two things keeps me focused and happy.”

While Ludwig will certainly always be remembered for the fastest knockout in UFC history, unofficial or not, he wants to be remembered as a down-to-earth type of man.

Behind the lightning fast knockout power is an ordinary guy who enjoys the simplicity of life.

“I’m into a few things outside of fighting like metaphysics and quantum physics. I’m also very interested in the human mind and its effect on reality. In addition, I’m also a big animal lover and bit of a tree hugger”, laughed Ludwig. 

Ludwig closed by thanking those who’ve been by his side since the very beginning of his career.

“I’ve had a lot of help from Bas Rutten to Trevor Wittman to Sven Bean over the years. And, most importantly, I’d like to thank my wife.” 

To learn more about Duane Ludwig, follow him on Twitter.

 

For additional information, follow Garrett Derr on Twitter.


Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

MMA: 13 Politicians We’d Love to See in the Octagon

There’s not much difference between the political chambers and the MMA cage. One is just a little more figurative than the other.But that doesn’t mean there can’t be some cross-pollination there. Usually you hear more about athletes entering the lawmak…

There’s not much difference between the political chambers and the MMA cage. One is just a little more figurative than the other.

But that doesn’t mean there can’t be some cross-pollination there. Usually you hear more about athletes entering the lawmaking realm (Chael Sonnen comes to mind, as do guys like Tom Osborne and Bill Bradley outside the MMA world). But why can’t it work both ways, at least in my mind?

Here are 13 politicians I’d personally really like to see in the UFC Octagon. This has little if anything to do with political views or, what’s the word, reality, and more to do with them having personalities or backgrounds that would seem to suit a turn in combat sports.

Also, these are all relatively modern political figures. So no Genghis Khan or King Arthur or whatever. Anyway, please enjoy. 

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Why We Will See Brock Lesnar Back in Pro Wrestling Sooner Rather Than Later

Ever since his teenage years, Brock Lesnar has been involved in some type of sport.Whether it was his dominant years of wrestling at the University of Minnesota or his short stint in the National Football League, Lesnar has been active and pursuing som…

Ever since his teenage years, Brock Lesnar has been involved in some type of sport.

Whether it was his dominant years of wrestling at the University of Minnesota or his short stint in the National Football League, Lesnar has been active and pursuing some type of dream for as long as we can remember.

As we know, following his loss to Alistair Overeem at UFC 141, Lesnar shocked the world when he announced that he would be stepping away from the sport of MMA for good.

Lesnar had officially retired.

While Lesnar has certainly participated in many organizations over the course of his professional career, none have compared to the rigorous sport of MMA. During his time in MMA, Lesnar endured the hardest battle of his life both in and outside of the Octagon.

While Lesnar has officially declared himself a retired athlete of the UFC, it doesn’t necessarily translate to a complete retirement from the world of sports. In fact, it’s plausible to think Lesnar could be returning to the sport of pro wrestling, which ultimately catapulted his name to an elite stage to begin with.

Not only will Lesnar continue to build his name, but he’ll be less likely to endure a serious or career-ending injury.

With respect to pro wrestling, Lesnar will now have a predetermined outcome where he can anticipate every move that will unfold. In result, Lesnar won’t endure the unexpected striking from Cain Velasquez or the vicious knees of Alistair Overeem.

With a burning desire to prove he can still compete in the world of sports, fans shouldn’t be the slightest bit surprised to see Lesnar returning to the professional stage.

And, if he does, it will be to the WWE.

Brock Lesnar will return to pro wrestling sooner rather than later.

 

For additional information, follow Garrett Derr on Twitter.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com