Issue 128
May 2015
All the head-turning information every mma fan needs to know
UFC finds allies in war against PEDs
The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) and the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) have committed their support to the UFC’s new extensive drug testing program.
IMMAF president Densign White told Fighters Only he believes the UFC is on the correct path to tracking down PED users and is happy the promotion is taking the problem seriously.
“We support wholeheartedly the proposed plan of action by UFC to drive the cheats out of our sport. Longer bans from the sport than is currently the case for offenders is the right approach, and is more in line with Olympic policy, which also sees athletes having to report their whereabouts every day.
“It is clear that in-competition testing by itself is not the solution and out-of-competition testing needs to be random and more frequently used.”
But he also warned: “This won’t completely solve the problem as there will always be individuals that offend, those who for reasons of greed and glory are prepared to take shortcuts, risking not only their health and safety but that of others too.”
Meanwhile, Tim Lueckenhoff, president of the ABC, also praised the UFC for its stance, which is set to come into full effect from July 1st, and offered its services to help punish offenders.
FO SCORE: The full backing of governing bodies like the IMMAF and ABC is vital if the UFC is to change the face of the sport with its stance on PEDs. Get ready for the messy war on drugs that lies ahead.
26.3%
According to UFC reports, 19 fighters were subject to out-of-competition PED tests from 2013–2014, with five athletes testing positive. That’s a 26.3% failure rate – astronomically higher than the 1.3% that failed during in-competition testing.
00.12.83
Ronda Rousey’s UFC 184 armbar victory over Cat Zingano was clocked at less than 13 seconds by her veteran coach Gene LeBell. More than a second quicker than the official time of 14 seconds recorded by the timekeeper.
WHAT'S HOT
RONDA ROUSEY FIGHTS
Don’t blink, otherwise you’ll miss ‘em
BLACKZILIANS VS. ATT
Could this be the most interesting TUF season of all?
BELLATOR’S BRITISH INVASION
The Brits have not only arrived, they’re taking over
WHAT'S NOT
JOSH NEER
Sticks and stones, Josh. Sticks and stones...
BROCK LESNAR’S RETURN
Is he in or out? Stop teasing us
BURT WATSON QUITS
The UFC won’t be the same without the ‘Babysitter to the Stars’
GROVE LINED UP FOR MAIDEN HALSEY DEFENSE
Newly-crowned Bellator 185lb champion Brandon Halsey will make his first title defense against TUF 3 winner Kendall Grove on home turf at Bellator 137. The event has been confirmed for the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California on May 15th.
Halsey enjoyed the best year of his career in 2014, winning Bellator’s season 10 middleweight tournament before submitting Alexander Shlemenko to capture the strap and extend his undefeated run to 8-0.
Grove has gone 2-1 in Bellator. He beat Joe Vedepo by decision and submitted former 205lb champ Christian M’Pumbu, either side of a knockout loss to Brett Cooper.
Bellator CEO Scott Coker said: “Brandon Halsey has been extremely impressive through his first eight fights. I’m looking forward to watching him defend his belt for the first time against Kendall Grove.”
FO SCORE: With new global TV network deals, Bellator could be about to step up to the next level. Exciting talents like Halsey and Liam McGeary are what’s going to keep it there.
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