Israel Adesanya Responds to Steroids Accusations After 50 USADA Tests, Offers $3 Million Challenge to Fans

UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya recently had his 50th successful USADA drug test. He is about to have his 5th title defence and the USADA milestone is very significant ahead of UFC 276.

Israel Adesanya was involved in a bit of controversy ahead of his UFC 253 clash against Paulo Costa. On the scales during the weigh-ins, there was a hint of gynecomastia on his right pectoral muscle. Gynecomastia is one of the side effects of the use of steroids.

Setting an example for athletes everywhere 👏

Congratulations to @Stylebender on his 5️⃣0️⃣th clean test & perfect test history under the USADA program! pic.twitter.com/pkLfcw7DVq

— UFC (@ufc) June 29, 2022

However, it can also be caused by an imbalance of hormones. But the fans speculated whether’s Izzy’s condition was the result of steroid use or not.

In the press conference for the upcoming PPV, Israel Adesanya commented on the issue. The Last Stylebender said the accusations of steroid use were hurtful for him. It seemed to him as if the fans were trying to take away his credit for dominating the opponents. He then threw an open challenge to anyone who can prove the accusations. He said,

“I will offer $3 million to anyone who could ever have concrete evidence that I even know what the f*ck I’m doing with steroids, or how to take steroids.” (h/t via MMA JUNKIE)

It seems like Israel Adesanya has finally ended the rumours of drug use. The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has a very strict testing policy. They have busted the likes of TJ Dillashaw and Sean O’Malley for failing drug tests. Hence, they would not have made any exceptions for Israel Adesanya either. With 50 successful drug tests, it is safe to assume that Izzy’s UFC career has been PED-free.

What is next for Israel Adesanya after UFC 276?

On July 2nd, Israel Adesanya will put his middleweight title on the line against Jared Cannonier. Cannonier who is ranked 2nd in the division, will get the very first title shot of his life. Despite being the favourite, Israel Adesanya will be expecting to face a very tough challenge this Saturday. If Izzy can get his hands raised this weekend, he will know who his next opponent will be.

 

 

 

 

 

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Unranked middleweight fighter Alex Pereira will go up against the no. 4th ranked Sean Strickland. The winner will be next in line for the next middleweight title fight. Hence, Adesanya already has his work cut out for him. Israel Adesanya is one of the most active fighters in the division and wants to fight in almost every 3-4 months.

Izzy expressed his wish to move up to light heavyweight once again in a few years. For the time being, he wants to stay at 185lbs to establish further dominance in the weight class.