In the world of sports, MMA fighters are showing that they are different from other athletes playing in the field. It seems that they are more concerned on the reputation of the sports that they are into rather than being the most powerful player in their chosen field. MMA trainers shows that they are also concerned on the health of their athletes and focus more on the natural strength of each fighter. These also includes coaches and the gyms where they are honing their skills.

An example of this is the Wolfslair MMA gym in Widnes. This is the top UK mixed martial arts gym where UFC star Michael Bisping trains. It makes the initiative to be the first to counteract and prohibit steroid use among its trainees and fighters. They conduct out-of-competition tests on its fighters. The tests are being conducted to deter any steroid use or any performance enhancing drugs that the fighters may use prior to a particular fight. Drug testing was also triggered following the positive test recorded by Bisping’s last opponent, American Chris Leben. The Wolfslair MMA gym is very serious to prove its men are not involved in steroid abuse.

Anthony McGann, the gym owner, said that “With regards to steroids in the sport, we go one step further than the UFC and test internally. We test in-house before fights. Not because we think our fighters are taking anything but because we don’t want to get tarred with that brush.”"Steroids or no steroids, he got his arse kicked, so we’re happy.”McGann added.

Michael Bisping’s last fight with American MMA Fighter Chris Leben was only by points. After the fight, Leben was tested positive banned steroids. It was found out that Leben was using Stanozolol, an anabolic steroid derived from testosterone. UFC suspended him for nine months as was fined a third of his fight purse.

Although MMA was labeled and described as “human cockfighting” by defeated US Presidential candidate John McCain,the sports shows that it is more strict when it comes to imposing its rules and policies. Moreover, other stakeholders in the MMA are also contributing much to the betterment on the sports. They dont want to be tarnished with a negative image.

Aside from its fight against steroid use, the Wolfstar Gym also runs an open-door policy for talented fighters to try their hand at Mauy Thai, boxing and Brazilian jui jitsu, a policy that brought British UFC favourite Paul Kelly through the ranks according to the report from telegraph.co.uk site. it is giving the opportunity to train not just the local talents but also international class fighters like Jackson. “It’s been like a fairytale, what started as a hobby has become a very big business.” MacGann said.

Some of the Wolfslair gym famous fighters includes former UFC light-heavyweight title holder Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson and heavyweight Cheick Congo.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS