“When I was 14 years old, the kind of drug testing I got [in judo competitions] was I had to drop my pants all the way to the floor, lift my shirt all the way up, spin in a circle, and that person had to watch me pee in a cup. I had to drink eight bottles of water to do that the first time, because I was a little kid… The first time I fought in Strikeforce and the UFC, I was shocked. They just gave me a cup and told me, ‘Go in that room and come back with something’ …
The drug testing is extremely important – it keeps all of us safe. I have them to thank for keeping me safe and to keep the integrity in the sport. When USADA got involved with the UFC, I was so happy… I’m the most drug tested of any other UFC athlete, and I’m happy to be. Any time they get here, I’m like, ‘What’s up?!? Make yourselves at home! You wanna stay and watch training?’ because they’re here for us. They’re not here to come and get you. They’re here to make you safe.”
-During a media day last week in Los Angeles, UFC Champ Ronda Rousey explained why she welcomes being the most drug tested fighter in the UFC (transcribed by MMAJunkie.com).
Penick’s Analysis: The drug testing in MMA for so long has been a joke, and though there remains significant issues with the implementation of the USADA program, it’s a step in a direction those like Rousey have been asking for. Given her Olympics background and how outspoken she’s been against PEDs, her reaction to getting randomly tested on numerous occasions shouldn’t be a surprise. She’s an ambassador for the UFC on this front, and embracing that role. Of course, given the fact that she’s almost assuredly a clean athlete, there are many others on the roster who probably should be getting tested much more than they have been so far.
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