Doubtful.
And the supporting evidence is pretty strong:
1) Doctors and scientists who research and provide PEDs to athletes are always going to be a step ahead of testing. Once and awhile they make a mistake and an athlete fails a test. But overall, the doctors get rich, never get sued and the biggest risk is likely no more than losing their medical license, which might be a deterrent if they weren't already wealthy.
2) How many MMA fighters (or in any other sport) show true outrage at another positive PED test? Where are the calls for better testing? Or stricter penalties? Most fighters - especially those that lose to guys caught for doping (besides Bisping of course) - are pretty quiet aren't they? Have to wonder why that is.
3) As Robin Black pointed out on The Fight Network, being caught for PEDs equals a suspension and fine. But after their punishment fighters are free to continue their career. So the pros (use PEDs and have a better chance to win and therefore earn more) clearly outweigh the cons.
Case in point, Anderson may be suspended a year but when/if he comes back he knows the UFC will welcome him back with another big payday. As for fighters worried about their legacy being tarnished, I think the millions they earn will cushion the blow.
Maybe the answer is that as sports fans we should just accept that the majority of pro athletes are using PEDs of some form or another. And maybe then we won't be so disappointed when they get caught.
nobody in the top ten of any ufc division imo
Diaz Nicolas
Rambo John J - Diaz NicolasNicko the Dicko.
For the most part nobody is clean in any sport. They all are on something.
almost nobody is clean
Doctors ahead of testing? He got caught for masteron. A popular bodybuilding drug that's been around
I'll hang on to BJ
Clean fighters are the exception. I was couldn't believe how shocked everyone seemed at the Silva positive. Is anyone really surprised anymore when someone gets popped? You don't think most fighters or athletes in general wont take every advantage that they can get when they have their livelihood and legacy on the line? I don't blame any top fighters or athletes that take PEDS. I bet almost everyone would be down to take that shit if it meant you could achieve greatness and fame and fortune.
YousHerName - Clean fighters are the exception. I was couldn't believe how shocked everyone seemed at the Silva positive. Is anyone really surprised anymore when someone gets popped? You don't think most fighters or athletes in general wont take every advantage that they can get when they have their livelihood and legacy on the line? I don't blame any top fighters or athletes that take PEDS. I bet almost everyone would be down to take that shit if it meant you could achieve greatness and fame and fortune.
Didn't someone do a survey years ago asking teenagers if they could be famous or a successful athlete for 5 years but then die immediately after the majority said they would?
In any case I think you're right, especially if the suspicion is that everyone else is on it. The choice is simple: To compete you have to cheat. And since most get away with it there really is no imperative to stay clean.
Joe Lauzon, the Diaz bros. and Ben Askren.
I'm sure I am missing some but just about everyone is suspect, imo.
Me.
Tom Lawlor -
Me.
WAR Lawlor!
I'll go with innocent until proven guilty, don't let the cheaters make you think otherwise
Okay, Tom is clean.
But if any fighter, Tom or anyone else, how does this sit with you? Yet another high profile fighter gets caught and makes us fans question yet again if the entire sport is using. Would we be way off if we assumed 50-60-70% of the fighters are using some sort of PED? How can we believe anyone is clean short of having a poor won-less record?
this sport is becoming a roided joke
Winston Wolf - this sport is becoming a roided joke
it really is, i dont give a shit about other sports doin steroids but this is fighting, the guys should be clean for a fair fight
I don't think everyone is using. I'd put it at 50%
There are several reasons to not use steroids including the fear of being caught and shamed, the fear of messing with hormones and the possible side effects of PED use, the desire to not cheat, and the lack of knowledge on how to use them properly.
i just showered so i hope so.
TJ Dillashaw, Bendo, maybe the Chris? The dragon?? Mark Hunt?