Ken Shamrock On Why UFC Fighters Should Use Performance-Enhancing Drugs

The MMA legend comes out swinging in defense of ‘roids in the Octagon.

UFC Hall-of-Famer Ken Shamrock thinks performance enhancing drugs should not only be allowed but their use should be encouraged.

In an interview InsideMMA that touched on Jon Jones’ suspension from UFC 200 for a positive PED test, Shamrock said, “My stance has always been upfront that this needs to be regulated. It needs to be a point where guys can use it at a safe level, because it does help. It does help in your health, and it does help in your recovery.” 

The 52-year-old has admitted to using PEDs in the past and has the failed drug tests to prove it. Most recently, he was popped for steroids after February’s Bellator 149 fight with Royce Gracie. He lost by first round TKO

Shamrock says the idea that he and Jones are outliers is absurd. He says that the UFC has “allowed” PED use “to happen for so long.” And then officials pretend like they’re shocked when guys are bused for using. 

He also criticized the UFC for hypocrisy in its treatment of Brock Lesnar, who was allowed to fight despite a shortened testing period by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. Normally retired athletes who return to the UFC have to undergo four months of testing before they can fight. Lesnar was only tested for one month.

In the past, Shamrock has compared the UFC’s prohibition of PEDs to “putting gas into a race car that’s regular gas.”

“It’s not gonna perform to its maximum level,” he said last summer. “And the body is the same way where you’re constantly pushing it beyond the normal level of a human being.”

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