When it comes to potential PED scandals in the UFC, the company’s president, Dana White, says he’s not losing any sleep over them.

A recent report from ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” suggested that athletes from numerous sports are tied to a Miami clinic, Biogenesis, for having received performance-enhancing drugs from its owner, Tony Bosch. Mixed martial arts, according to the report, was one of those sports.

Porter Fischer, the man who revealed documents to the Miami newspaper that initially reported the clinic’s PED scandal, would not name the athletes, but the UFC boss is confident his fighters aren’t involved.

It’s not even [a concern]. Not even at all. Not even a little bit,” White recently told GRACIEMAG.com’s Choke MMA Show. “The difference … [between] our sport and the other sports is the guys get tested every time they fight … It would be more an embarrassing pain in the ass if somebody popped up on there. It’s not like a baseball player … playing so many games and nobody knew.”

The possibility of UFC fighters being linked to the Miami clinic is less than minimal, according to White. The fact that no one beyond the press is asking about it gives the UFC executive a strong indication that none of his fighters are tied to the scandal that is currently shaking up Major League Baseball.

Porter Fischer (pictured) said that MMA athletes are tied to the Biogenesis PED scandal. Photo by Nicole Noren/ESPN.

“I would have to think that if my guys were on that list, we would’ve heard about it already,” White said. “Not only did we not hear about it, I didn’t even know about it until they told me the other day at [UFC on Fox 8].”

Fischer told ESPN that the scandal has been going on since at least 2009. He and his associates, according to the outlet, have identified athletes from the NBA, NCAA, boxing, tennis and baseball, in addition to mixed martial arts.

While he didn’t say how many MMA fighters are linked to the scandal, Fischer said that the overall number of athletes tied to the clinic’s PED disbursement reaches into the triple digits.

“In just the four years that I know, it’s got to be well over a hundred, easy,” Fischer told ESPN. “It’s almost scary to think about how many people have gone through [Bosch’s treatments] and how long he’s gotten away with this.”

Black belt Caio Terra

Caio Terra is always exciting, on and off the mats. The roosterweight displays the same sharpness both going for sweeps, locks and chokes or giving interviews. In an exclusive chat with GRACIEMAG.com , the fighter sits down to talk about his plans for 2013, preparation for the Pan, the new IBJJF drug policy and his successful association of academies, the Institute of Martial Arts, with its headquarters in San Jose, Ca.

Speaking of the 2013 Pan, you are the 2011 and 2012 Pan champion, how are your preparations coming along to defend your title?

I am not too focused on winning or losing, I just want to train and do the best I can. If that means I win again then great and if that means I lose in the first round it’s ok too as long as I do the best I can. Right now it’s a little hard to train as I am doing a lot of seminars, focusing on my association and our students. Hard training will begin soon and I am very excited for our 2013 Pan Camp. Every year this camp gets us ready to compete and it really is phenomenal training. We have champs like Leandro Lo, Samir Chantre, Osvaldo Queixinho and others pushing each other to be the best we can be. Where else in the US can you train with two, three or sometimes four world champs in the room? The camp is open to everyone and it doesn’t matter your affiliation, belt level, etc.  Anyone out there who wants to improve in Jiu-Jitsu, I highly suggest you attend! Typically there is one black belt for every three students!

The IBJJF recently announced they will be doing random test at the 2013 Pan. Did you get happy with the news?

When I first heard the news I was extremely excited. Although they are only testing ten random black belts (less than 1/8 of all the people who podium), it is a step in the right direction. A lot of people have been critical of the IBJJF in the past and with the Pro League (paying black belts to compete) and now drug testing, I think they are starting to listen.

How big is the issue of PED in our sport?

If one person uses, that is one person too many and when there are numerous champs using then there is an epidemic. As a champion and someone who loves Jiu-Jitsu,when I won in 2011 I did my best to make the public aware that people were/are using PEDs and this isn’t right. As martial artist, honor and integrity are values we all shoul dhave; and when you cheat and compete you are dishonoring yourself, your opponent, your school and your association.  My mentors Comprido and Felipe Costa have always been against it and live by these values and are grateful they have instilled them in me.

You mentioned your association, how is that going?

The association is doing very well. Our newest affiliate just opened up in England and that’s exciting. It is smarter; I feel to water and tend a tree so it has strong roots than to planting a lot of new seeds hoping that one of the trees grows strong. With this philosophy in 2013, we are limiting the number of affiliates so we can really focus on building our foundation and to ensure all of our schools do well. To be clear, by well I don’t mean just doing well in competitions, I want to see people grow, their businesses do well and every member in our association getting the benefits of Jiu-Jitsu and because of this I am spending a lot of time with each affiliate. In Oregon for example, I have two affiliates, one in Hillsboro and one at Portland Judo, and a third one opening up in Vancouver, WA. In the past four months I have been there twice, once for a week to teach and train with the. I want to know every student who wears our patch!

What other things do you have planned for 2013

I am really focusing on my school, the Institute of Martial Arts, in San Jose, CA, our students and association. Personally, I plan to compete in all the major events and I am really looking forward to our Pan camp and the phenomenal Mundial Camp we are currently planning. Both should be fun. I’m also looking forward to the Brasa camp this summer with Comprido and Felipe Costa. Win or lose, 2013 will be a great year!

Want to leave a message for the Jiu-Jitsu community around the world?

Keep training, have fun, and focus on technique.  Stay clear of PEDs, because they won’t make your Jiu-Jitsu better, in the long run, as we get older we lose strength and flexibility, but you can never lose technique. Jiu- Jitsu has so much to teach us, on and more importantly off the mat. There are no short cuts, so enjoy the journey.

Caio Terra will be at the 2013 Pan. What about you? Register now at ibjjf.org

The United States Anti-Doping Agency will now test Jiu-Jitsu black belts in competition / Photo: USADA.org

The sport of Jiu-Jitsu is making big strides. The IBJJF has released a statement that they will begin testing for performance enhancing drugs at the 2013 IBJJF Pan American Championship. Teaming up with the United States Anti-Doping Agency, the quality of the athletes in the sport of Jiu-Jitsu will now be monitored for their integrity to the sport as clean athletes who choose to compete on a level playing field.

As the official anti-doping agency for the Olympics and Paralympics since October 2000, we can be sure that the most strict adherence to the procedures and Anti-Doping Code will be expected.

The testing will begin at the Pan American Championship at the Bren Event Center in Irvine, CA on March 20-24.

If you are a medalist in the black belt adult category, male or female,  you are eligible for the In-Competition testing process.

Due to the IBJJF’s contract with USADA, GRACIEMAG.com can offer all information known via statements made by the IBJJF and information available via USADA.org. Any questions regarding details specific to IBJJF competition will be made public as soon as it becomes available to us.

How will the athletes be chosen for testing?

The athletes to be tested will be chosen by random order such as 5th, 7th, 12th, 18th, etc. The total number to be tested will be ten (10), stemming from both male and female black belt adult categories.

What type of testing is used?

USADA tests with both urine and blood samples. The type of sample taken and the specific time of testing will be determined.

What substances are prohibited? 

The list of prohibited substances for In-Competition testing can be seen by clicking here.

What about substances like prescribed medications, over-the-counter medications, food additives, etc.?

Over-the-counter cold/flu medications will show positive due to specific ingredients you can find in the above link. Athletes should stop taking such medications several days before the competition.

Cannabinoids and THC substances should be avoided as these substances can be detected weeks after use. Despite the recent legalizations in Colorado and Washington, it is still a prohibited substance under USADA.

Nicotine and caffeine are not prohibited although they will be monitored.

For medications related to diseases or conditions, they are not prohibited as long as the athlete files a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).

Narcotics are prohibited although can be justified using a TUE. Be aware that poppy seeds hold a level of narcotic that may be read on the test so while a pastry with the substance may not trigger the test, it is best to avoid eating such foods within of 48 hours of the competition.

What is a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) and how do I apply?

A Therapeutic Use Exemption is used for athletes who have illnesses or diseases requiring medication. To apply, the athlete must submit the appropriate application as well as substantial medical justification 21 days before the competition. You can find out more or apply by clicking here.

How will athletes know if they have tested negative?

Athletes will be notified by the USADA through a letter.

What happens should an athlete test positive for any prohibited substance?

Athletes will be notified by the USADA through a letter. Should the result come back as an Atypical Finding, the B sample will be used to confirm and the USADA will provide further investigation should doping be indicated. All results will then be turned over to the Anti-Doping Review Board for review.

Can an athlete refuse to submit to drug testing?

If an athlete chosen for testing refuses to submit a sample, the athlete is committing an Anti-Doping Rule Violation and the athlete will be sanctioned. The level of consequence will be determined.

Please refer to www.USADA.org for more in-depth information regarding each process.

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Ultimately, the move to drug testing has been made for the evolution of our sport. Jiu-Jitsu will continue to grow exponentially as evident by the number of competitors in the IBJJF Pan American Championship each year. For present and future athletes, we should maintain a level playing field that fosters respect for each other and the art itself. Remember that the values taught in the academy should not be lost on the competition mats.

What do you think of the new policy? What are your questions and concerns? Let us know in the comments below: