A. Silva (photo) was using TRT due to acromegaly. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
The Nevada Athletic Commission's decision to ban exemptions for Tesosterone Replacement Treatment (TRT), followed promptly by the Brazilian MMA Athletic Commission (CBAMMA), has divided the mixed martial arts community. Many fighters, managers and fans were in favor of ending licenses for the use of TRT. On the other hand, some athletes who support the treatment criticized the decision. This is the case of the heavyweight Antonio Pezão, who suffers from hypogonadism resulting from acromegaly. In an interview with the “Yahoo” website, Pezão lamented the new regulations and stated that athletes who need hormone replacement are being harmed.
“Those who really need it will be harmed and those who do it for their own well-being, just out of vanity, will not be harmed as much. Unfortunately, the good ones pay. They thought it would be better to prohibit it, but anyone who has a real need, a clinically proven need, will be harmed,” said Pezão, who stated that he is looking for a way to adapt to the new regulations. “We will try our best to continue our career. I can't stop. I was born to fight. Since 2006, when I had surgery, I have needed testosterone replacement. It will make a huge difference. For example, in a five-round fight, the performance may not be the same. Replacement is good for daily training, so you can recover the muscle. But, I can say that I will not give up,” he added.
Antônio Silva also commented on the stance of Dr. Márcio Tannure, UFC doctor in Brazil and medical director of CABMMA. Pezão said that Tannure, who was responsible for administering his hormone replacement therapy for the fight against Mark Hunt, is playing “politics”. “I can see that he wants to be a good guy. This is just politics on his part. Because he was never against the TRT. In fact, he cannot take hormone replacement therapy. He can't do it and, even so, he does it to athletes. I see this as just politicking on his part to be on good terms. But, I have nothing to judge. Everyone likes Dr.Tannure. He's a great person, he helps a lot of people. With me it was a mistake and I was a little upset that he didn't recognize it. But I know how difficult it is to recognize, because he is the medical director of the Commission, he is Flamengo's doctor, he treats a lot of famous people... If he recognized the error, he would harm himself”, he concluded.
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