The Maximum Fighting Championship will be the first mixed
martial arts organization in Canada to put fighters through random drug testing
when MFC 35: Explosive Encounter comes around in October.
Testing will be done in conjunction with the Edmonton Combative
Sports Commission, and is something long overdue, explained MFC Owner/President
Mark Pavelich, who made the announcement during a recent guest segment on “The
Jason Gregor Show.”
“It’s been talked about for a long time with many
commissions. Usually it’s been a matter of money – the commissions not wanting
to do testing because of the cost,” said Pavelich.
“But working with the Edmonton Commission, we’ve found a way
to make it cost-effective, and most important, it’s going to be something
consistent. When testing athletes the message has to be consistent – don’t
cheat because you will be caught, and now it will be sooner rather than later.”
When asked about the prevalence of performance-enhancing
substances in MMA, Pavelich told Gregor that he believes as many as 50% of the
fighters are currently using something that is prohibited.
“You are seeing more and more fighters getting caught and that
is good for the sport,” added Pavelich. “The MFC and any Commission we work
with are not out to get anyone. I would just like to see illegal substances out
of the sport, and those who use them be penalized for doing so.”
Starting at MFC 35, random fighters – likely four or five
per event including those in championship bouts – will be tested following
their matchup. More details about the testing will be unveiled in the coming
weeks.
The entire Pavelich interview can be found at:
http://www.jasongregor.com/radio_shows/evan-silva-mark-pavelich-lowetide-ed-stefanski-jeffrey-orridge/show_clips/mark-pavelich-mfc-ownerpresident-august-1-2012
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