In an interview with Middle Easy a while ago, MMA legend Royce Gracie found himself in an awkward situation when the interviewer seemingly forgot about Gracie’s past PED use and asked for his opinion on ster*ds and testosterone replacement therapy.
The interviewer, unaware of Gracie’s history, broached the topic of PEDs by asking, “What are your thoughts on ster*ids and testosterone replacement therapy?” This question came after a discussion about fairness in MMA rules.
Gracie, who tested positive for nandrolone after his fight with Kazushi Sakuraba in 2007, gave a surprisingly diplomatic response. He stated, “I’m here for a long time,” avoiding direct commentary on the use of PEDs in the sport.
When pressed about whether he loses respect for athletes who use such substances, Gracie remained neutral, saying, “Some guys might need that. Some guys might need actual vitamins.” He added that fighters “should be natural” but maintained a non-judgmental stance, stating, “I can’t answer for them, for the others.”
The irony of the situation was not lost on MMA fans, who quickly took to social media to point out the interviewer’s oversight and Gracie’s careful navigation of the topic.
This funny video serves as a reminder of the complex history of PEDs in MMA and the ongoing debates surrounding their use and regulation in the sport.
