Rafael dos Anjos complains about the release of prohibited serum for challenger: 'Advantage'

Dos Anjos (left) and Cerrone (right) will face each other on 19/12. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

Ultimate lightweight champion, the Brazilian Rafael dos Anjos puts its title on the line for the first time against Donald Cerrone on December 19th, in the main fight of UFC on FOX 17. One issue in particular about the duel, however, has left Rafael unhappy: the fact that Cerrone has obtained authorization to use the intravenous (IV) serum for purposes of rehydration, which had been prohibited a few months ago.

See too

UFC supplier anticipates and says McGregor defeated José Aldo

Bendo ignores the ban and fights again with a toothpick in his mouth

Jones responds to Cormier's taunt about muscles: 'Let's see if I'm slow when I kick your ass'

“He certainly has an advantage. No one is taking the serum, just him. The serum helps a lot with weight recovery. In this case of our fight, the serum won't make a difference, because it won't change the result of the fight. The belt will remain with me. I'm not a doctor, but I have the stomach to drink a lot of beer, go to parties, do everything. To lose weight, you have to take serum to recover. I'm not a doctor to speak, so, cool. If the doctor said it can, then it can. This won't change anything when it comes to the fight. The title will stay with me and I will show why I am the champion”, said the Brazilian, who took the opportunity to mock his rival's condition, in an interview with the “Combate” channel website.

Recently, Donald Cerrone explained why he got an exception to the intravenous IV ban. The “Cowboy” said that half of his stomach and approximately 15 meters of his intestine were removed during a surgery he underwent after suffering an ATV accident. Therefore, according to him, his body cannot process food and absorb nutrients in the same way as other athletes, which is why he was authorized to use the IV.

Since last October, rehydration via intravenous fluid, a practice that was quite widespread among fighters, has been banned for UFC athletes in any volume greater than 50 ml after weigh-in. One of the reasons the treatment was banned is that it can serve as a masking agent for banned substances such as anabolic steroids. The penalty for anyone caught using an IV varies from two to four years of suspension.

Mike Tyson fires back at criticism about age and sends a message to Jake Paul: 'I like…'