At last, the former UFC middleweight fighter Nate Marquardt cleared up the things that have been haunting him after his separation from the UFC. The last minute announcement of UFC president Dana White that Marquardt will no longer play for the UFC became a hit discussion in forums and other MMA sites. For those who are following the career of “The Great”, it is not hard to guess that the fighter was again involved in the use of steroids. Marquardt was sanctioned in 2005 because of a failed steroid test. He blamed it on a tainted supplement that he was taking during that time.

A great middleweight fighter, Marquardt wants to take a chance in the welterweight division. However, the UFC and the commission did not clear him to fight in the Versus 4 for failure to comply with medical requirements. And now, the speculations of most MMA fans were answered. Marquardt was barred from Versus 4 because of high levels of testosterone in his system.

Marquardt under Testosterone Replacement Therapy

In an interview with Ariel Helwani of MMA Hour, Marquardt admitted that his testosterone level exceeded the standard set by the commission. But he contends that the adverse level was due to his continuous testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Marquardt told Helwani that his treatment started since August through the recommendation of his doctor. Several medical examinations were conducted on him and the doctor advised him to undergo TRT.

Therapeutic Use Exemption Allowed Him to Fight

Marquardt already fought several times while under the medication. The MMA fighter was able to fight Rousimar Palhares, Yushin Okami, and Dan Miller without any trouble. He’s using the Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) which can be given to fighters as long as they comply with the requirements. Though it was reported that the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board gave him conditions but he was still given a go signal to fight at UFC 128 in New Jersey.

The athletic commission noted that his treatment did not comply with USADA standards and the medical requirements were incomplete. He was given clearance but he must comply with the conditions like going off the treatment for eight weeks, undergoing blood tests, and medical check-ups from an endocrinologist.

Aggressive Testosterone Treatment

According to Marquardt, his doctor recommended a more aggressive testosterone treatment weeks before his Versus 4 schedule. Instead of the oral testosterone, the fighter was given the injectable one to increase the testosterone levels in his body. Marquardt contend that he failed to monitor his condition which led to the higher than normal level during the weigh-in. Though he stopped taking testosterone, it was still high which resulted to his suspension by PSAC. The UFC also replaced him in the Versus 4 main bout and Dana White took him out of the promotion company.

Testosterone Level Back to Normal

Marquardt admitted that he messed up and took responsibility for what happened. “There were things I should have done and I had oversight, and I have to take responsibility for that,” he said. His camp said that the testosterone level of the middleweight fighter is now on its normal level as evidenced by a blood test. They hope it will convince the PSAC to lift the suspension.

Meanwhile, some sports writers and MMA fans are still skeptical about Marquardt’s story. They can’t be blamed because Marquardt had a previous record of steroid use. It also opens the possibility that the therapeutic use exemption is being abused by some fighters.

According to Jamie Penick of MMATorch, the therapy on Marquardt should bring the level of testosterone to its normal level. “If it has them elevated then it simply makes it look like he was trying to cycle a steroid regimen,” said Penick. Aside from genetics and age, the low testosterone level could also be the result of long term use of steroids.

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