Supplements
May 7, 2025
PEDs in combat sports—controversial, effective, and a hot topic among fighters and fans alike.
You’ve heard about them, seen athletes get caught using them, and maybe even wondered if they’re really as powerful as people claim.
The reality? PEDs have been around for decades, shaping careers, fueling legendary fights, and sparking endless debates.
But what do they actually do? How much of an edge can they give a fighter? And most importantly, what’s the real cost—both physically and professionally?
This isn’t just about lab results and clinical studies. We’re diving into real reports from fighters who’ve been there, used PEDs, and lived to tell the tale.
Whether you’re an athlete looking for answers or just curious about the truth behind the hype, keep reading—we’re about to break it all down.
In combat sports, where every ounce of strength, speed, and endurance matters, PEDs can mean the difference between winning and losing—or even survival inside the cage or ring.
These substances fall into different categories:
Anabolic steroids like testosterone and trenbolone help fighters build muscle, recover faster, and increase aggression which are all essential in high-stakes fights.
SARMs, a newer alternative, promise similar benefits without some of the harsh side effects of steroids.
Then there are stimulants like ephedrine and amphetamines, which enhance focus, reaction time, and energy levels.
In addition, peptides, growth hormones, and EPO, boost endurance and recovery–allowing fighters to push through grueling training camps without burning out.
So, why do fighters use them? The answer is simple: competition at the highest level is brutal.
When your livelihood depends on your ability to outwork and outperform opponents, the temptation to take PEDs is hard to ignore.
Of course, the risks are just as real as the rewards. Fighters who use PEDs gamble with their health, reputations, and careers.
If you’re considering it, understand this-–while the payoff might seem tempting, the consequences can be just as life-changing so tread carefully.
We’ve already touched on some PEDs in the previous section, but now let’s take a closer look at their benefits and side effects, especially in combat sports and other athletic competitions.
The most infamous PEDs in any sport are anabolic steroids like testosterone, trenbolone, and nandrolone.
These drugs help fighters pack on muscle, recover faster, and boost aggression.Â
Plus, it gives fighters the ability to train harder, hit stronger, and bounce back quicker.
But the downside? Severe hormonal imbalances, liver and heart issues, and the risk of getting flagged by drug tests.
Marketed as a “safer” alternative to steroids, SARMs like Ostarine, Ligandrol, and RAD-140 have become a go-to for fighters chasing muscle growth without the extreme side effects.
But since they’re still relatively new, don’t expect a free pass—risks are definitely in the mix.
While some users report milder effects, SARMs can still mess with testosterone levels, especially if you skip post-cycle therapy.
In a fight, endurance is everything. That’s why some fighters turn to EPO—a hormone that boosts red blood cell production, supercharging oxygen delivery to muscles.
The result? Better cardio, greater stamina, and the power to push through exhaustion.Â
But there’s a catch: It also thickens the blood, ramping up the risk of cardiovascular issues.Â
So if you’re considering it, just practice extra caution and know exactly what you’re getting into.
Next in the list are HGH and peptides. For fighters chasing faster recovery and a touch of anti-aging magic, HGH and peptide hormones like IGF-1 are popular go-tos.
These compounds work behind the scenes to speed up muscle repair, heal injuries, and even torch body fat.      Â
Though this sounds great, long-term use can come with some heavy baggage, including joint pain, organ enlargement, and insulin resistance.Â
Last but not the least, we have stimulants.Â
For sharper focus, increased aggression, and an energy boost, some fighters rely on stimulants like amphetamines, ephedrine, and clenbuterol.
These substances keep them mentally locked in and physically explosive.
Risks, especially when taken in high amounts would include heart palpitations, anxiety, and dehydration in weight cuts.
When it comes to performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in combat sports, athletes alhave a lot to say.
Let’s delve into some firsthand accounts to understand how specific PEDs influence performance and the sensations they evoke.​
Anabolic steroids are renowned for their muscle-building prowess.
Fighters often report significant increases in strength and a heightened sense of aggression, which can be advantageous in the heat of competition.
However, these benefits come with notable side effects, including hormonal imbalances and cardiovascular issues.
The Nevada Athletic Commission highlights that athletes caught using steroids face public humiliation, negative media exposure, and potential loss of income due to suspensions. ​
Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) like Ostarine and Ligandrol are often marketed as safer alternatives to traditional steroids.
Athletes using SARMs report experiencing lean muscle gains and improved recovery times.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that SARMs can still come with risks like testosterone suppression, which is why post-cycle therapy (PCT) is often recommended.
EPO is a hormone that increases red blood cell production, thereby enhancing oxygen delivery to muscles.
Athletes using EPO often report improved endurance and reduced fatigue, allowing them to maintain high performance levels throughout extended bouts.
Despite this, the use of EPO carries significant health risks, including an increased likelihood of blood clots and strokes.
Discussions within the MMA community have highlighted concerns about the ethical implications and health dangers associated with EPO use.
HGH is reputed for its role in promoting tissue growth and repair.
Fighters who have used HGH often describe faster recovery from injuries and intense training sessions.
While the regenerative benefits are appealing, potential side effects include joint pain, and swelling.
It’s also worth noting that the efficacy and safety of HGH use in sports remain subjects of ongoing debate.​
Stimulants are used to boost energy levels, focus, and aggression.
Athletes report feeling more alert and capable of sustaining high-intensity efforts during training and competition.
Then again, as expected, these substances can lead to adverse effects too such as increased heart rate, anxiety, and dependency issues.
The use of stimulants is also heavily scrutinized and penalized in professional sports.​
It’s important to recognize that while PEDs can offer short-term performance enhancements, they come with significant health risks and ethical considerations.Â
Athletes contemplating their use should weigh these factors carefully and consider the potential long-term consequences on their health and careers.
To note, some strategies exist to minimize these risks and ensure PEDs are used in a way that doesn’t compromise long-term well-being.
Testing lower doses first allows users to assess their body’s response before committing to a full cycle, reducing the likelihood of extreme side effects.
Cycling on and off PEDs is another common practice, giving the body time to recover and restoring natural hormone production.
Regular blood work and medical supervision help monitor potential issues early, allowing adjustments before problems escalate.
And lastly, post-cycle therapy (PCT) can aid in rebalancing hormones after PED use, particularly for those using anabolic substances.
While no method eliminates all risks, these approaches have been found to help mitigate potential harm for those who choose to experiment with PEDs.
Let’s be real, PEDs are everywhere in combat sports.
From underground circuits to the big leagues, plenty of fighters turn to performance-enhancing substances to gain an edge.
But does that mean you have to? Not at all.
There are still fighters who go all-in on the natural route, proving that it’s possible to compete, and even succeed, without chemical assistance.
Now, let’s not sugarcoat it. Competing naturally is undeniably harder. You’re up against opponents who might recover faster, train longer, and carry an unnatural level of strength and endurance.
But on the flip side, staying natural means avoiding long-term health risks like hormone suppression, cardiovascular issues, or organ damage; problems that PED users often don’t worry about until it’s too late.
So, what’s the right call? If you’re on the fence about PEDs, it helps to ask yourself a few key questions:
At the end of the day, PEDs are a personal choice, and no one can make that decision for you.
But if you’re serious about staying in the game for the long haul without relying on substances that could impact your health, know that plenty of fighters have done it before.
It’s not the easier path, but for many, it’s the one that leads to a longer, healthier, and more sustainable career.
As combat sports continue to evolve, so too does the landscape of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) and the methods devised to detect them.
So, what’s on the horizon for PEDs in combat sports? Let’s dive in.
Drug testing in sports has come a long way since its inception.
The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) took the pioneering step of banning performance-enhancing substances in 1928, marking the beginning of formal anti-doping efforts.
Fast forward to today, and testing agencies employ a battery of sophisticated techniques to catch those attempting to gain an unfair advantage.
However, as testing methods have advanced, so too have the strategies employed by those looking to circumvent them.
Athletes and their support teams have become adept at tweaking dosages, timing, and even developing new substances designed to fly under the radar.
The arms race between doping and detection is relentless.
Recent advancements in pharmacology have led to the creation of novel PEDs that are more potent and more challenging to detect.
These substances often require the development of new testing methodologies, a process that can lag behind the introduction of the drugs themselves. ​
In addition, the emergence of gene doping—altering an athlete’s genetic makeup to enhance performance, poses a significant challenge for current detection techniques.
Achieving a PED-free environment in combat sports is a noble goal, but is it realistic?Â
Despite stringent testing protocols and severe penalties, doping persists at unsettling levels.
A recent systematic review highlighted the prevalence of substances like anabolic agents and diuretics, particularly among athletes in heavier weight categories and those engaging in rapid weight loss.
Complicating matters further, some individuals are challenging the very foundation of anti-doping regulations. Enter the “Enhanced Games,” an audacious proposal for an Olympic-style event where athletes can openly use performance-enhancing substances without fear of testing or sanctions.
Proponents argue that this approach acknowledges the reality of doping in sports and prioritizes athlete autonomy.Â
For athletes contemplating the use of PEDs, the future presents a complex landscape.
On one hand, advancements in detection methods, including portable and rapid testing devices, promise to enhance the effectiveness of anti-doping efforts.
On the other hand, the continuous development of new substances and methods to evade detection suggests that the battle against doping is far from over.
Performance-enhancing drugs remain a contentious issue in combat sports, with fighters, fans, and governing bodies debating their impact on fairness, health, and performance.
The allure of faster muscle growth, improved stamina, and quicker injury rehabilitation has drawn both aspiring and professional fighters to these substances, despite strict regulations and potential health risks.
Reports from real fighters who have used PEDs vary:
Some credit them for career-changing performance boosts, while others warn of severe side effects and long-term health concerns.
Additionally, the discussion extends to how governing bodies enforce PED regulations.
While organizations like USADA and VADA implement strict testing protocols, controversies surrounding exemptions, testing loopholes, and inconsistent punishments continue to fuel skepticism about how well anti-doping measures truly work.
At the core of this issue is the balance between athletic performance and athlete well-being.
While PEDs can provide significant benefits, their risks and ethical considerations keep them at the center of debate.
As combat sports evolve, so too will the conversation around their use, enforcement, and potential future regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, synthetic testosterone is banned in MMA unless an athlete has a valid therapeutic use exemption (TUE), which is rare.
The UFC follows USADA and other anti-doping regulations that prohibit performance-enhancing testosterone use.
Yes, UFC fighters are subject to rigorous drug testing by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and other commissions.
They undergo both in-competition and out-of-competition testing for steroids and other banned substances.
No, creatine is not illegal in MMA. It is a widely used and legal supplement that helps improve strength, power, and muscle recovery.
It is not classified as a performance-enhancing drug (PED).
No, the UFC banned testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in 2014.
Fighters are not allowed to use TRT, even with a medical prescription, as it provides an unfair advantage by artificially boosting testosterone levels.
Anabolic steroids are among the most commonly used PEDs in sports due to their muscle-building and performance-enhancing effects.
Other frequently used PEDs include human growth hormone (HGH) and erythropoietin (EPO) for endurance sports.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided above is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek your physician’s advice or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen or read.We bear no responsibility or liability for your use of any compound.Â
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