USADA letter says Gabi is PED free

After Andre Galvão, another 2013 Pan champion got a letter from the USADA (US Anti-Doping Agency) with some great news.

The female heavyweight and absolute black belt winner, Gabrielle Garcia, is in the clear for any performance enhancing substances, according to the letter.

Gabi posted the letter in her Facebook page this Sunday.

To GRACIEMAG, she said: “I have always had to prove to other people a lot of things in my career. People seem to forget that I was always big, but I lost many times before I became the athlete I am today. I lost to Ana Laura Cordeiro, to Ana Carol Lebre, to Lana Stefanac. Today, I train to overcome my limits because I want to be number 1. First they said I had no technique, then they said I was too big and after that they said I was on the juice. People give no value to hard training and to everything I give up to be a champion. I deserve to be a champion and I sincerely expect that all the people that talked about me and judged me are now sorry and start thinking about what they say before they say it. I showed them that my doping is my will power. If I have to be tested after the Worlds again, I will, but I hope that people start respecting me as an athlete that trains and dedicates to the sport. I know they will come with other excuses, but if I was going to care about all that people say, I would have abandoned the sport a long time ago.”

In the next days, the USADA must release all the other results from the athletes tested after the 2013 Pan.

Caio Terra, champion and tested in Irvine, one of the major supporters of the drug testing. Photo: Ivan Trindade / GracieMag.com

Professors requested and the IBJJF worked seriously to implant the drug testing for the first time in Jiu-Jitsu. In partnership with the agency United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), the tests were promoted for the first time during Pan 2013 in Irvine, Calif. last weekend.

Because of the contract, the Federation staff can’t talk about the athletes selected for the urine test. However, the champions commented on it, despite the initial strangeness.

“It was a bit embarrassing, because of the presence of a woman there watching you. But they are right, this is the way,” praised Gabi Garcia, one of the athletes who was seen heading for the test.

Other names were the absolute champion Marcus Buchecha, Andre Galvao, Roberto Tussa, Caio Terra, Rafa and Gui Mendes, Luiza Monteiro and Vanessa Oliveira.

Featherweight athlete and bronze medalist Augusto Tanquinho talked about the draw process: “They randomly selected the categories of black belt, not the athletes. So when we had the result of the champions of each, they were called for the test.”

For some athletes, the most uncomfortable part of the exam was not being able to see some of the finals, since they were being tested.

“I liked the initiative. I expected to be tested, but I was not drawn this time. It is better for the competitors and clearer to the public. In Jiu-Jitsu, nothing replaces hard work,” praised Michael Langhi, lightweight champion.

The USADA, which conducts tests in accordance with the international rules of the IOC, has examined athletes in the Olympic and Paralympic Games since 2000 in the U.S. The agency will report test results to athletes when they are completed.

UFC heavyweight champ Cain Velasquez (pictured) is in favor of stricter drug testing policies in the UFC. Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images.

Add Cain Velasquez to the list of UFC fighters to defend the idea of stricter doping tests within the organization. 

Currently, fighters are tested through urine samples, but the heavyweight champion believes that exams should be done through blood tests more frequently, and even by surprise.

“There are rules,” Velasquez said. “We all must follow the same rules.”

The champ shares this opinion with UFC fighters like Junior dos Santos, Georges St-Pierre, Benson Henderson and Daniel Cormier. For them, it’s possible to compete at a high rate without the use of anabolic steroids. For Velasquez, the seriousness in controlling the tests will disallow opponents who use illegal substances from taking advantage of him in a fight.

“I’m a natural athlete,” he said. “All my opponents should be the same way. It is not fair that those (fighters) have an advantage.”

When asked of teammate Lavar Johnson, who was recently cut by the UFC after a drug test showed high levels of testosterone following his UFC 157 fight, the champion did not hesitate.

“I feel good that the tests are being done more often,” he said. “My thought is to be natural, not doped … Those who don’t follow it will be out.”

(L-R) Opponents Vitor Belfort and Michael Bisping face off before in their middleweight fight at the UFC on FX event on January 19, 2013 at Ibirapuera Gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

UFC middleweight Michael Bisping is a disappointed man.

The fighter released a statement through his website on Friday to address the recent news of UFC on FX 7 opponent Vitor Belfort’s exemption to undergo testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for their fight from last month in Brazil.

Bisping expressed his frustration with how his opponent is openly allowed the exemption, pointing specifically at the fact that Belfort has prior run-ins that deal with performance enhancers.

“It is very disappointing that someone who was caught cheating with testosterone in the past now gets to use testosterone legally,” Bisping said in the statement. “A well known side effect of steroids is that it reduces testosterone, so I don’t understand how it would make sense to then grant someone an exemption to then increase testosterone.”

Bisping’s loss to Belfort marked the third time he’s been in a middleweight title eliminator, and been unable to capture the win. Notably, all three of those losses have been to fighters who have undergone TRT in the past — Dan Henderson, Chael Sonnen and now Belfort.

The British fighter went on to clarify that he’s not making excuses for the Jan. 19 defeat, and hopes to climb back up the middleweight ladder starting with his next fight.

“I am not here to make excuses or cry over spilled milk,” he said. “I … am very excited to work and earn a title fight the right way.  That process starts by whooping Alan Belcher’s [expletive] at UFC 159.”

Bisping’s next fight will take place on April 27 in Newark, N.J. as part of a Pay-Per-View.

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Thiago Tavares tested positive for drostanolone at UFC on FX 7. (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images)

UFC lightweight Thiago Tavares tested positive for a banned substance following his UFC on FX 7 fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov, and is suspended nine months dating back to the night of the fight, UFC officials said on Wednesday.

Tavares tested positive for drostanolone, an anabolic steroid, and will have to test again at the end of his suspension before returning to competition.

“The UFC is committed to transparency and zero tolerance for doping,” said UFC president Dana White.

All 22 fighters were tested at at the Jan. 19 event, and only Tavares came back with a positive sample.

In the week leading up to Wednesday’s news, rumors circulated that main event participant Vitor Belfort was the fighter that tested positive. White shot down those rumors, adamant that it was not Belfort. However, it was noted that Belfort has been on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) under the supervision of a physician in Nevada following a diagnosis for hypogonadism.

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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:

Alistair Overeem stands in the Octagon before his bout against Brock Lesnar during the UFC 141 event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 30, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos took a shot at fellow heavyweight Alistair Overeem on Wednesday, implying that the Dutch fighter’s skills are artificially enhanced.

When asked if he prefers fighting someone respectful like Cain Velasquez or someone who has talked a lot of trash about him like Alistair Overeem, dos Santos told members of the press that he would rather face a professional than someone made by science.

“Guys like me and Cain Velasquez, we are made at the gym. Guys like the other guy, they are made at the laboratory,” dos Santos said on a media call. “I prefer to fight against … clean athletes and real professionals. Cain Velasquez is one of these — he’s a real professional fighter and that’s a good challenge for me. I know he’s very tough and how hard I have to train to face him. Other guys, they just say things, but there is nothing behind the words.”

“Cigano” will defend his heavyweight title against Velasquez at UFC 155 on Dec. 29. The two met before at the inaugural UFC on FOX event in November 2011 — the event that dos Santos originally won the title from Velasquez.

Following the UFC on FOX match-up, much of the talk regarding dos Santos’ next opponent centered around Overeem, and the fight was scheduled for UFC 146. Plans to make the bout happen came to halt, however, when “The Reem” was suspended for elevated levels of testosterone from a surprise test administered by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Overeem has been unable to compete as a result since then.

UFC 156 will mark Overeem’s return to the octagon when he faces off with Brazil’s Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva. The match-up will be part of the UFC’s traditional Super Bowl card, which features several other former title holders, and is headlined by Jose Aldo defending his featherweight belt against former lightweight champ Frankie Edgar.

When asked who he feels would win between Overeem and Silva, dos Santos was quick to pick his fellow Brazilian as the winner because he feels Bigfoot has more technique. Although no official announcement has been made, the winner of the Overeem-Silva bout is expected to face the winner between dos Santos and Velasquez.

UFC 155 will take place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

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