UFC
UFC's Roy Nelson says "it pays to cheat" in MMA, looking at out of pocket drug testing
May 15, 2012 - 12:30:22 PM UFC's Roy Nelson says "it pays to cheat" in MMA, looking at out of pocket drug testing

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

With several high profile cases of testosterone use in the sport of mixed martial arts, reform of the drug testing process in the sport has been called for on many fronts. To this point, the UFC has held to the maxim that it's not an issue, and that this is "the most tested sport" in the world. But even if they don't want to embrace any new processes, it doesn't mean all of their fighters will follow suit.

Heavyweight Roy Nelson, who is competing at UFC 146 later this month in a bout against Dave "PeeWee" Herman, isn't happy with the rash of PED users in the sport, and is looking at some out of pocket options for his future fights where drug testing is concerned.

"I think in our business I guess it pays to cheat," Nelson said in an interview with VigilanteMMA. "From who I know and everybody who follows it, um yeah... it pays to cheat. I was talking to a couple people and a lot of us - at least myself - I go to VADA (Voluntary Anti Doping Association) and start doing that voluntarily; and then my opponents are going to have to do the same to even out the playing field. I think Floyd Mayweather said it best, 'if you want to be the best, you must test.'"

Nelson isn't using it to single anyone out in general, but says it's something that all fighters should go ahead with if they're truly clean athletes.

"I don't think it's about calling people out," Nelson said. "It's actually just putting your money where your mouth is. Whoever I fight probably after this next fight, I think I'll just set it up and if I have to pay out of my own pocket to make it happen. I'll do the gesture that the UFC won't."

Penick's Analysis: This is a position that's surely not going to sit well with everyone in the UFC, and with him laying it out as "I'll do the gesture the UFC won't," he's definitely sending a message. How that message is received remains to be seen, but it's an admirable stance he's taking. VADA is a voluntary program, but if more fighters begin taking part in it that's the type of thing that could potentially lead to a shift in the UFC's mindset on this front. Regardless, Nelson is making a very solid statement here, and we'll have to see if he follows through on that going forward.