UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey has expressed concern over recent instances of positive drug tests, notably the one involving longtime idol Anderson Silva. Rousey revealed that she felt "heartbroken" by the news of Silva's failed test, and has come out strongly against the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports.
According to Rousey, the use of these drugs by fighters is tantamount to "bringing a weapon into the cage" and she has vouched support for stronger, exemplary penalties for offenders, according to a Fox Sports report.
Rousey confessed about being upset when news came forth about Silva's failed test for his bout in UFC 183, saying that she "wanted to cry" after hearing about it. She voiced her opinion that performance-enhancing drugs can lead to irreparable damage to the sport.
The use of these drugs can jeopardize the safety of fighters inside the cage and even give rise to life-threatening situations, Rousey said.
The two-time Olympian noted that in her opinion, first offenders should be penalized with a one-year ban, while a second failed test should fetch a punishment of a life ban. She cited drug use as one of the primary reasons why she has no favors for Cris "Cyborg" Justino, who has been on the radar as a potential opponent for a while. Justino tested positive for steroid use in 2012.
Rousey, in her condemnation of performance-enhancing drugs, joins colleague and former welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre, who has opted to keep himself out of active competition until a comprehensive drug-testing plan is put in place, according to Yahoo Sports.