Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos has released a statement shortly after positive results of the anabolic steroid, stanozolol, in her post-fight urine sample. She stated that it was an accidental result from the use of a dietary supplement to cut weight. She said she was assured the supplement was safe and not prohibited from use in athletic competition, yet then she took responsibility for the fact that she did not consult with her doctor beforehand to find out if it was approved.
A huge number of fighters in past competitions have tested positive for steroid use, and we have heard just as many excuses. There is actually a surprisingly long list in the history of MMA which can be viewed here, MMA Steroid Bust: The Definitive Timeline. The most popular by far is the same one used by Cyborg, “it was in my dietary supplement”. The Council for Responsible Nutrition has put together a fact sheet for the purposes of clearing up misconceptions about steroids and dietary supplements. One question stands out to me:
Question: Do dietary supplements contain illegal anabolic steroids that will cause athletes to test positive for steroids?
Answer: No legitimate dietary supplement should cause a positive result from an
anabolic steroid test. By law, any supplements that either intentionally contain or are
contaminated with anabolic steroid-like chemicals that would cause a positive anabolic steroid
test result are adulterated products and would violate the federal law that regulates dietary
supplements. Dietary supplements include multivitamins, minerals (like calcium), herbals (like
green tea supplements), sports nutrition supplements (like amino acid tablets), specialty
supplements (like omega-3s and glucosamine-chondroitin) and weight management
supplements. Federal law prohibits the inclusion of anabolic steroids (and their precursors) in
these products and all of these products are subject to good manufacturing practices that help
eliminate the risk for accidental contamination.”
I would think if you were competing in a world championship fight that you would go to all extremes to make sure there are no problems such as this which may arise. I will leave you to your own assumptions about that issue but for now Cyborg has a huge fine to pay, a long suspension, and has succeeded in eliminating the 145 lb division of Strikeforce which was barely hanging on for lack of contenders anyway.
Some may see this as a huge setback to women’s MMA, especially while trying to change Dana White’s perception of the division for women. However, since the announcement last weekend of the upcoming Tate/Rousey fight on March 3, I believe the true athleticism of the sport will finally be brought to surface and this may indeed become two steps forward. Those women who train and dedicate themselves to work so hard will have a genuine opportunity to shine for and give quality to the name of MMA.
I foresee a growing number of contenders for a 135 lb division that will eventually, if not already, make history. Cyborg’s dominance posed a threat to even the toughest of the females and the only person qualified (and openly welcomed by Dana) is Gina Carano. Her new movie reviews and recent interview leads me to believe that she may have paved a way in her own special style and moved on and won’t be in the cage anytime soon.
The standing contenders want to prove a legitimate name for women’s MMA. They are fighting, literally, for the seriousness of the sport. Never forget that one bad apple doesn’t spoil the whole bunch. I actually believe the elimination of Cyborg will open up an array of entertainment to come for the MMA world. It is a major surprise, but will lead to great change.
Of course, it is a matter of “time will tell”, but I see a fight between the feuding Tate and Rousey a definite crowd pleaser, and probably lots of dollar signs in the eyes of Strikeforce. Kaufman paired up with Davis on the same night is also a great pick. I see this as only a slight blow, but a bigger victory for the women. Girls, (and Guys), I think this is all about to get interesting, March 3 rd , May the best ladies win!
Official Statement From Cristiane Santos:
I would like to sincerely apologize to StrikeForce, the Zuffa organization, Hiroko Yamanaka and my fans for my failed drug test.
I am ultimately responsible for everything I put in my body, and at the end of the day, there is no excuse for having a prohibited substance in my system. I do not condone the use of any performance enhancing drugs by myself or any other professional athlete, and willingly accept the penalties and fines that have been handed down to me by the California State Athletic Commission and those of the StrikeForce/Zuffa organization.
While I was preparing myself for my last fight I was having a difficult time cutting weight and used a dietary supplement that I was assured was safe and not prohibited from use in sports competition. It was never my intention to obtain an unfair advantage over Hiroko, mislead StrikeForce, the Commission or my fans. I train harder than any fighter in MMA and do not need drugs to win in the cage, and I have proven this time and time again! My only mistake is not verifying the diet aid with my doctor beforehand, and understanding that it was not approved for use in the ring. Unfortunately in the end I suffer the consequences and must accept the responsibility for my actions.
I will do everything I can to show my fans that I can still compete at the professional level without the use of any prohibited substances, and ask God’s forgiveness for my mistake.
Cris Santos – Curitiba, Brazil January 7th, 2012
Sources:
Anabolic Steroids Are Not Dietary Supplements: Council For Responsible Nutrition
MMA Steroids Busts: The Definitive Timeline By: www.CagePotato.com
Is Cris Cyborg’s Career Over? By: www.MMAShare.com