Video: Robert Drysdale explains TRT use that delayed UFC debut

LAS VEGAS – Robert Drysdale had his UFC debut delayed from November to July because he was flagged by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) for an elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio this past year.

According to Drysdale, the cause of those elevated levels was his uneducated use of testosterone-replacement therapy (TRT), a treatment that was previously legal and is now banned by the NSAC.

Because of that, Drysdale’s (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) first octagon appearance had to wait until Sunday night, where he successfully submitted Keith Berish (5-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) at the TUF 19 Finale at Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Following his first-round finish, the 33-year-old explained the mishap and how he takes full responsibility for any miscommunication, but insists he was never trying to cheat the system.

“I will not take an ounce of blame for dishonesty, because there was no dishonesty on my part,” Drysdale told MMAjunkie. “I would take some blame for not understanding the process.

“In all honesty I was on it for a little over a month. So it’s not like it made a big difference to me. I’m used to not being on it, so it’s fine, I’m fine. … I wasn’t on it long enough to feel much of an effect to be honest. It’s probably my fault more than anything for not understanding the process.”

For complete coverage of The Ultimate Fighter 19 Finale, stay tuned to the UFC Events section of the site.