Brock Lesnar’s return from retirement at UFC 200 was announced just over one month before the event, well short of the four month standard under the USADA policy for a fighter coming out of retirement. That clause was subsequently waived by the UFC as was their discretion, and it led to some crying foul – Lesnar’s UFC 200 opponent Mark Hunt included – despite it being a sensible and well within reason move.
Well, for those with concerns about Lesnar getting off easy on the testing front, the latest updates from USADA‘s testing database show that Lesnar has been tested five times already in the weeks since the announcement. No adverse results have yet popped up, but should he be competing clean (as is the most likely scenario), the frequency of tests prior to his return may quell some skepticism.
Lesnar last competed in the Octagon in December of 2011, and after four years back in the WWE he decided 2016 was the time to prove diverticulitis was responsible for much of his struggles down the stretch in his first UFC run.
Penick’s Analysis: Those most critical of the UFC waiving the four month clause for Lesnar and decrying it as special treatment are just looking for something to complain about. The deal wasn’t done until it was done, and if you’re going to bring Lesnar back for an event like 200, that clause is unnecessary. Whether you believe the WWE wellness policy holds any weight or not, he’s theoretically been drug tested throughout his time in that organization, and he’s never failed a drug test in the past. Still, USADA’s putting him through the paces in the month into the event, and if there’s something to find at this point in the game it may then be found.
[Brock Lesnar art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
Attention iPhone/iPad and Android users, if you’ve enjoyed our app in the past and followed us there, or if you’ve never checked it out, make sure to update to the latest version in the Apple store and/or Google Play store. We’ve launched a new look for the app, in line with our recent desktop overhaul. Make sure to check it out!
For current App users, swipe right to view next article, swipe left to view previous article.
Leave a Reply