In the world of competitive grappling, the use of PEDs has long been a contentious issue. While some promotions have implemented USADA testing at select competitions, others have taken a more lenient approach, leaving athletes and fans divided on the matter.
During a recent livestream, ADCC promoter Mo Jassim addressed the possibility of organizing a “clean division” for athletes who have not used PEDs. However, Jassim’s response highlighted the potential challenges of such an endeavor.
“Make one ster*id users and another for clean world champs” – Jassim read out a request at his live stream.
“Well, that’d be a very small division. That’s all I would say,” Jassim remarked, casting doubt on the viability of a clean division at the highest levels of competition.
Jassim’s statement reflects the harsh reality that the use of PEDs has become widespread in the sport, with many top-level athletes admitting to or being accused of using banned PEDs.
The promoter’s candid response underscores the complexities surrounding the issue of PED use in grappling. While some argue for a zero-tolerance policy to ensure a level playing field, others contend that it should be permitted.
Jassim’s comments also raise questions about the feasibility of implementing rigorous testing measures in a sport where a significant portion of the athlete population may have a history of PED use.
These comments mirror something he said months ago.
“I understand why people don’t like it, but it is what it is. It’s not high on my list,” Jasim stated. He went into more detail on why ADCC does not test:
“My issue with the IBJJF testing models, apparently they only test the champions. So how do you know that the other podium people aren’t on this stuff? Generally speaking, ADCC has never dr*g tested. It’s not even on my radar. And I understand that a lot of people get upset about it and I understand where they’re coming from. “
“But for me, do I think that some of these athletes are on? Yeah, I do. I mean, you can see these body transformations when it comes to ADCC worlds. And I think it’s a very valid criticism. But for me, it’s not on the top of my list. I do think people have ways of passing these tests. I’m on TRT myself and I do know some people who told me straight up how they pass these tests. Some of these compounds are out of your system in 48 hours. “
“And the other thing is it’s very costly to do dr*g testing. I saw the UFC posted it. I think they were paying nearly $1,000 a test. In my opinion, the only effective way to dr*g test is random d**g testing when it’s unannounced or they show up to your house or gym. For me to go and do that for 105 athletes across the world, that would be very cost prohibitive and be a nightmare headache for me. So I understand why people don’t like it, but it is what it is. It’s not high on my list.”
