By MMAFighting.com
In a landmark decision, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) unanimously approved a motion to ban the practice of awarding fighters a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in the state of Nevada on Thursday.
The ban is effectively immediately, stretches amongst the realms of boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts, and not only includes future applicants for TRT, but also users who have received TUEs for TRT from the NSAC in the past.
Commission officials urged representatives from fellow athletic commissions to follow their lead and ban TRT exemptions in their corresponding states.
“I’m comfortable with the information we have before us, and I would welcome and encourage the ABC (Association of Boxing Commissions) to look at this issue for all commissions in all states across the country,” NSAC Chairman Francisco Aguilar said. “I think it’s important that there be a standard set, and I think we’re not afraid of making that standard known, and then following the discussion after this point in time.”
Following the commission’s decision, the UFC announced that it too will ban TRT exemptions moving forward.
“I do believe that this is something that gives people an unfair advantage for these actual benefits,” Aguilar said. “And I think that it’s unfair for those fighters who are lucky enough to not have to go through the process. It’s not fair to them when they have to meet a competitor who is, somehow, could be (using) an advantage.”
“I know in granting TUEs for TRT in the past, it caused me a great burden because there is always a person there fighting on the other side who isn’t asking for anything, who is going to be tested, who is going to be tested randomly, and is clean,” concurred NSAC chairman Bill Brady. “So I think we have an obligation to the fighter who doesn’t want an exemption and is clean; an obligation to them to make sure they’re getting an honest and fair fight. So if this takes away that judgment that I have never liked, that I’ve been uncomfortable when I’ve been involved in it, then I think this is an appropriate motion and one that I support.”
Dana White Statement
“[I’m] pumped!” White wrote via text message. “Couldn’t wait for that garbage to go away.”
“We follow Nevada,” White said
Update: The UFC issued a press release on Thursday’s news:
“The Ultimate Fighting Championship fully supports the decision made today by the Nevada State Athletic Commission regarding the immediate termination of therapeutic use exemptions (TUE) for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT),” White stated in the release. “We believe our athletes should compete based on their natural abilities and on an even playing field. We also intend to honor this ruling in international markets where, due to a lack of governing bodies, the UFC oversees regulatory efforts for our live events. We encourage all athletic commissions to adopt this ruling.”
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