Florian favors steroid testing
July 29, 2007
With Barry Bonds’ historic quest to break one of the most sacred records in all of sport tainted by steroid allegations, you don’t have to tell UFC lightweight contender Kenny Florian what the dreaded S-word can do to an up-and-coming sport like mixed martial arts.
“As a fan and representative of MMA, it’s disappointing because we are trying to gain those mainstream fans,” the Dover native said in light of a recent positive steroid test by lightweight champ Sean Sherk. “Obviously you have other sports with steroid allegations. For us, it’s that much more important to keep controversy out of our sport.
“We don’t need any more black eyes.”
Sherk, who defeated Florian for the lightweight title back at UFC 64 last October, tested positive for the steroid nandralone following his July 7 title defense against Hermes Franca at UFC 73 in Sacramento, Calif. Franca also tested positive for the steroid drostanolone. Sherk has maintained his innocence and will have his appeal heard Aug. 6.
If true, Sherk and Franca both face yearlong suspensions, a ruling that would throw the lightweight division on its head. The allegations follow right on the heels of the steroid suspension of MMA legend Royce Gracie. Stephan Bonnar, the Ultimate Fighter 1 finalist, just returned from his own nine-month suspension for a positive test.
Florian, one of the sport’s most respected statesmen, has a simple and resolute solution to nip this all in the bud: vigilant testing.
“I’m all for random testing,” he said this week. “Across the board - all season long. I’m all for doing it every month and randomly. That would be great.”
Just like boxing, the UFC is regulated by the state athletic commissions in which they fight. Though UFC president Dana White has yet to speak specifically on the Sherk case, pending the Aug. 6 hearing, he has steadfastly stood behind the rulings as they’ve happened.
“Our policy on fighters using steroids, illegal drugs or any banned substance remains the same - you cannot use them,” White said in a statement following the most recent revelations. “It’s not only unhealthy and unsafe, it is against the law. The UFC fully supports the commission’s efforts and we will continue to take measures that keep this sport clean and keep the athletes safe.”
More may be needed, however. Part of the UFC’s appeal is the connection fans make with the individual fighter’s courage and will. If that becomes compromised by suspected or alleged drug use, it could spell serious trouble for the sport.
“Overall steroid use in general is something that a lot of people are using in all sports,” said Florian. “There’s allegations in tennis. A lot of people say marathon runners are some of the biggest users. But, again, as we start to get more formalized and established (in the mainstream), we need to realize there are people out there - kids - who watch us and say Joe Schmoe is using, why shouldn’t I.
“It’s a vicious circle of cutting corners. All the questions about our hard work will start. It’s not isolated to MMA, it’s happened across the board.”
It’s only human nature that when Sherk’s allegations surfaced, Florian thought back to their fight last October. Sherk, known as the “Muscle Shark,” won a five-round unanimous decision over Florian.
“It was kind of something I thought about before this all happened,” Florian said. “I’ve always had suspicions. But, again, who knows? He’s making an appeal, so I don’t want to comment whether he did or didn’t until then. But if he is guilty, it does make you wonder did he do it before . . . or all along.
“Just like the baseball questions now. There will be questions for him now. There’s no question he works his ass off and has made some great accomplishments. It’s a shame there could be questions about everything he’s accomplished.”
And of course, the individual situations could begin to leave a mark on the sport as a whole. Unless there is vigilance, Florian believes, there will continue to be ways around the current testing format.
“A lot of people try to measure their usage,” Florian said. “They can say, ‘I started this day, I can be clean by this day.’ Who knows when this factors into the equation. There’s ways around it. Just because someone tests clean, it doesn’t mean they are clean.
“At the same time, I know I’ve fought guys that have been using, and I’ve beaten them. A lot is mental comfort, I guess. Maybe it helps them train harder, I don’t really know. Hopefully we can cut it out all together by doing random testing.”
Important mission
Florian received a life-sized dose of reality during his recent tour of U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Approached by MVP Pro Sports Group to provide a pick-me-up to the servicemen, Florian jumped at the opportunity. The UFC, in particular, is very popular among the troops overseas.
“I’ve been a big fan and a big supporter of the military from the beginning and especially after 9/11,” Florian said. “I thought I always wanted to give back in some way. This was a little way for me to give back and do something for these guys. I’m really glad I did. It was very inspirational for me. It was an awesome experience.”
The UFC provides all of their fights to the military overseas. The sport, and its athletes, have become hugely popular. Florian said the connection is special as each group sees the other as “warriors” and “gladiators.”
Florian, along with fellow UFC fighters Jorge Rivera of Milford and Heath Herring, and MMA spokesmodel Amber Nicole Miller, were stationed at Bagram Air Force Base in northern Afghanistan. They made daily trips to satellite bases, traveling in blackhawk helicopters. Once they were there, they signed autographs, took tours and shared stories with the troops. Florian even doled out some pointers in jiu-jitsu.
“At the bases they take turns going out on missions, 24 hours a day,” Florian said. “In one case, these guys didn’t see anybody but the military for 15 months. They couldn’t believe we were there. They’ve always been the most educated out of all the MMA fans. They know it inside and out. It’s crazy.”
Needless to say, upon his return, Florian still was in awe of the challenge the servicemen have undertaken.
“It’s unreal,” he said. “Every day you realize these guys’ lives are on the line. When we went there, until when we left, we were in a combat situation. It was amazing to hear what they’re doing. These guys, although they miss home, they’re very committed to finishing the job. It was so impressive to hear their stories and how grateful they were that we were there. They couldn’t believe it.”
