Cung Le Talks VADA and Random Drug Tests in MMA
It was recently revealed via Twitter that former UFC champion B.J. Penn had been approached by VADA (Volunteer Anti-Doping Agency) about submitting to drug testing along with his opponent Rory MacDonald ahead of UFC 152.
Penn has long been a very outspoken advocate against the use of performance enhancing drugs, and volunteered when asked by VADA to submit to the testing.
A few moments later, MacDonald responded to Penn's request and accepted as well.
While Penn and MacDonald's enthusiasm around the drug tests should be commended, they weren't the first people in the UFC to be approached by VADA.
Former Strikeforce middleweight champion Cung Le was also approached about submitting to the VADA testing, and he gladly accepted as well, but a number of circumstances prevented it from happening. One big thing was the late change in his opponents after Rich Franklin was pulled from the fight after injuries forced some changes to the UFC 148 fight card.
Le stands by his commitment to fighters fighting clean without the benefit of performance enhancing drugs, however, and would happily submit to testing at any time.
“I was approached by (VADA) by letter and sure I'll do it. Of course what's going on I just needed approval from the UFC and it came around and it took so long, there were so many injuries happening, every time I'd call or ask what I should do, it wasn't that important for me,” Le told MMAWeekly Radio.
“Like the whole thing was let's do me and Rich (Franklin). I was completely open to it, but it wasn't my biggest concern cause I can test any time, anywhere, and like my biggest thing was making sure I was in shape, ready for the fight, and if this happens great. I think it's a good thing if VADA, just what they test. (Like) you have to be at a certain level, but they test for that substance in your body.”
At 40 years of age, Le is still somewhat of a phenomenon as he's been able to carry his mixed martial arts career to this stage, but he credits it all to a natural lifestyle.
“For me I just do it the healthy way. I eat all organic, all my supplements are food based, and I'd rather do it that way for me. I can't speak for anyone else. I'm clean and I'll test anytime,” said Le.
UFC officials have yet to sign off on the testing protocols for Penn and MacDonald, and it's unclear at this time if they will allow VADA to conduct their testing ahead of UFC 152.
While he didn't get to test for this fight, Le says he's open to it any time and hopes something like this will help clean up the sport for good.
“I've got nothing to hide,” Le stated. “I don't want to speak for anyone else, but I feel that it's good for the sport if there's random drug testing.”
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