14 for 14: No. 8 TRT banned by NAC, UFC and others

In February 2014, an investigative report by ESPN on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in MMA revealed the practice of fighters utilizing a diagnosis of low testosterone for the usage of synthetic testosterone.

Not surprising, Dana White called out the ESPN report as an embellishment.  He noted that 5 fighters had TRT exemptions out of the “500 guys under contract.”  Still, the UFC issued a ban on the use as well.

It started with the Nevada Athletic Commission in February when it unanimously voted to ban TRT in MMA.  The UFC also decreed a ban.  In addition, other states including California and also Brazil followed suit with a ban on therapeutic use exemptions (TUE) for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

If Dan Henderson’s performance against Daniel Cormier at UFC 173 is an indication as to what happens after a fighter (Henderson benefited from the TRT exemption) comes off of TRT, the ban may have an effect on future fights and fighters.

Notably, Vitor Belfort, the next challenger to Chris Weidman’s light heavyweight title benefited from TRT.  ESPN highlighted Belfort in its February expose on the practice.  Belfort withdrew from his title fight against Weidman earlier in the year due to the Nevada ban on TRT.  Belfort chose not to apply for a license for the fight and Lyoto Machida stepped in.

Belfort was awarded a license by Nevada in July provided he would concede to random blood and urine testing.  However, Belfort was only tested once since July to the consternation of Chris Weidman.  His fight against Chris Weidman was moved to California where the CSAC will take over testing of Belfort.

Payout Perspective:

The ban on TRT in MMA was a step in the right direction for the sport in 2014.  It offered legitimacy to the sport as the use of TRT was perceived as cheating by many.  And while the ban may not be fair for a fighter like Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva, it was likely the right move.