The recent blow-up over Nate Marquardt failing to get medical clearance for the UFC on Versus 4 main event for what he says is confusion over testosterone replacement therapy, the debate over performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in mixed martial arts has reached a fever pitch.
In fact, accusations have been flying across nearly all professional sports, from Barry Bonds longstanding controversy in baseball to the ongoing investigation of seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong in cycling.
There are several experts and industry veterans weighing in on the situation involving Marquardt and the argument about therapy vs. enhancement. One of the more interesting interviews on the subject, and probably one of the more controversial, is TapouT News’ Mike Straka’s talk with Erik Owings.
Owings is a lifelong martial artist, expert in fitness training, and former fighter in the IFL. He is the brains behind the workouts in UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre’s RushFight DVD workout series.
Owings, also a past recipient of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), spoke candidly with Straka about Marquardt’s situation, the medicinal application of TRT, and the use of PEDs in professional sports. While Owings focuses on a natural, clean form of exercise and diet, what he had to say out PEDs in professional is surprising, if not thought provoking.