A heavyweight fighter claimed that half of the MMA fighters are on steroids. Another bold statement that may contradict with UFC’s stand that they have full control of the steroid problem plaguing their sport. Cheick Kongo, a 230-pound heavyweight fighter, told Riddum.com that there are at least 50% of MMA fighters who are taking steroids. Adding that there could be more fighters who are using steroids. Whatever Kongo thinks about the issue of steroid use in his own sport, his statements will just create more questions and probably give him more problems in dealing with his promoter, the UFC.

Previous fighters who also divulge that the use of steroids or performance enhancing drugs in mixed martial arts is rampant were forced to withdraw their statements after a few days. We know that they may not have concrete evidences to prove their allegations but what is certain is the risk of losing their job if they continue to malign their own organization.

Dennis Hallman, Josh Koscheck, Josh Burkman and Nate Diaz are only some of those who believe that there is a problem of steroids use in UFC. However, most of them retract their statement and issued apologies. Let us just wait if Kongo will follow.

What is weird on these fighters is their claim that they do not use or will never use performance enhancers. If they know that there are more than 50 percent of the fighters who are using drugs to take competitive advantage, it could also influence them to take the same road knowing that there is only a minimal chance of being caught. If you will compare the rate of steroid positives with baseball or other leagues, the UFC fighters caught using steroids were only a handful.

Now, does Cheik Kongo give in to the temptation of using steroids? “What can I say, other than we need to stay away from all of that. It’s not easy to put things into perspective, especially if you believe that you have a disadvantage from the get go,” Kongo said. “For some athletes, it’s hard to hold up physically and mentally- the pressure, the obligation to stay on top - everything pushes you to take steroids,” he added.

The heavyweight fighter believes that taking performance enhancing drugs are not the best option. “For me, PEDs aren’t the solution. Taking PEDs jeopardizes your health and it’s cheating. I am a fighter; I owe my victories to my hard work, my training, the fact that I push myself beyond the limit, the sacrifices I make to a life almost entirely dedicated to sports. Nothing else,” Kongo said. He is optimistic that even without those needles a fighter can still succeed.

The unending allegation of rampant steroid use in UFC is an indication that there is something wrong within the sports organization. Why would a fighter talk about things or make accusations that will ruin the reputation of mixed martial arts. Dana White should take a look at this on other perspective. Does it mean that the fighters want something from the UFC or there are some unfavorable working terms and conditions being implemented by the league? Or they are underpaid, working too much, taking high risk job but not receiving enough income.

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