'Almost everyone uses substances for performance', says Rickson Gracie

R. Gracie (photo) regretted A. Silva's doping. Photo: Disclosure

In recent months, MMA news has frequently seen the publication of new doping cases involving prominent fighters. This year alone two of the biggest names in UFC history, Jon Jones e Anderson Silva, had problems with banned substances – the light heavyweight champion was caught with cocaine, while the Brazilian had anabolic steroids and anxiolytics detected in his body. Despite the frightening scenario, veteran Rickson Gracie believes that there are few athletes who do not use any type of doping.

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In an interview with the “Combate” channel website, Rickson, a legend of jiu-jitsu and Vale-Tudo, said he supports increased supervision over banned substances in MMA. “Almost everyone uses certain types of substances for performance. People do this outside or inside the cycle. The number of fighters who are caught using illegal substances is within the normal range of what currently exists. It's annoying, but it's not something you say 'he's the only one who did it, he has to be crucified'. It’s something that shouldn’t be done, but the more rigor and control, the better for the future of the sport,” he commented.

Rickson regretted the episode involving Anderson Silva, although he avoided making any kind of judgment about the former champion. “It was a shame that this happened and took the shine off his return. He's a guy who has always done a lot for the sport. I am not in a position to assess in depth to analyze the conduct and morale of the business. I simply see that it was something that could not have happened, but that it will be resolved in the best way to keep Anderson in the best position he can have as a professional”, he analyzed.

The black belt recognized that in the past the scenario was even more conducive to the use of prohibited drugs. “In the past, there was less control, the medical eye was not so in control. Now, the sieve is more efficient in catching all types of drugs that people use. Things are getting difficult in terms of evading inspection. We have to deal with this in all aspects, always thinking about better control and promoting a healthy sport for athletes and the audience in general”, he compared.

Finally, Gracie said he is certain that he has already faced at least one fighter who used some type of banned substance. “If I say the name, I will practically accuse the opponents of using something that I am not sure about. It's unethical to release the name, I don't think it's healthy to talk about it. Thank God, that kind of chemical support that opponents tried to use against me never resolved,” she joked.

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