UFC
Roy Nelson: "Any moron can see that if you don't want to do VADA testing, there's a reason"
Dec 11, 2012 - 1:45:02 PM Roy Nelson: "Any moron can see that if you don't want to do VADA testing, there's a reason"

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Ultimate Fighter 16 coach and Finale event headliner Roy Nelson has been an advocate for more stringent drug testing in MMA, and has been trying to get his opponents to participate with the program from the Volunteer Anti-Doping Association (VADA).

Thus far, he's tried to get both Shane Carwin and Matt Mitrione to take part in the program into this weekend's TUF 16 Finale event in Las Vegas, though neither have agreed to it. In an interview with Steph Daniels at BloodyElbow.com, Nelson commented on his desire for a clean sport, and says the message sent to fans when fighters don't take part in a program like VADA is clear.

"It's important for people to know that you're drug-free," Nelson said. "Doing the extra steps, that you do on your own, versus doing just what the UFC or the commission asks of you, is giving more back to the fans. It's like putting in that extra round for them."

"You get some that think you're trying to pick on people, or take it that you're saying that they use steroids, or basically saying they're guilty. I'm not saying anything other than, 'Let's clean up our sport together.' If you say 'no', then there's a reason why. I'm not here to judge, but you obviously have a reason why you're saying no. It's obvious to fans. Any moron can see that if you don't want to do it, there's a reason. We're trying to take steps forward, and every time someone says 'no', it takes us 20 steps back."

Penick's Analysis: Nelson's not wrong about the perception of fighters who refuse to take part in it. Fair or not, saying "no" when presented with more testing to prove you're a clean fighter makes it seem like you have something to hide. Now, it doesn't mean that everyone does, and even fighters who have taken part in the VADA program have tested positive already. Unfortunately, there's such a pervasive feeling that most in the sport are taking something, and it leaves little room for fighters being presented with VADA to look good if they don't take part in it.