Based on comments, it seems people believe steroids do magic work in the body; largely all they do is find different ways to increase testosterone. Meaning, that tests often will not detect a steroid drug in a person’s system, instead, the tell is increased T/E levels. The testosterone to epitestosterone (T/E) ratio is a marker used in doping tests. This has gone viral online and has sparked many questions about what exactly these levels mean and how steroids are used.
However, extrapolating this directly to humans and the context of modern-day fighting, even simulated fighting like boxing or MMA, requires careful consideration. The relationship isn’t as simple as aggression always equaling higher testosterone. Whether brawling boosts your body’s natural hormone production is a complex question. Joe Pyfer discusses his mental health struggles, wants to change what ‘Be Joe Pyfer’ means Francis Ngannou felt like Israel Adesanya was having a great performance at UFC Seattle until Joe Pyfer turned the tables
When athletes stop using steroids, their bodies might not produce as much natural testosterone for a while, leading to low T/E ratios. A ratio above 4/1, as per WADA guidelines, or 6/1, as per some other sports organizations, is considered suspicious and warrants further investigation. These substances are designed to mimic the effects of testosterone, promoting the growth and repair of muscle tissue. This is because testosterone plays a role in protein synthesis, muscle growth, and development.
Critics argued that even with medical monitoring, TRT could give fighters an unfair advantage. The aim was to allow athletes with legitimate health conditions to compete on equal footing. However, some athletes saw TRT as a way to combat the wear and tear of intense training, injuries, and aging in a demanding sport like MMA. This section explores how TRT was treated by athletic commissions and regulatory bodies, the reasons behind its initial acceptance, and the events that led to its eventual ban. While TRT had legitimate uses for people with low testosterone due to medical conditions, its use in MMA created a complex situation. TRT can bring an athlete’s testosterone to the higher end of the normal range, which might allow for enhanced performance. In this way, TRT can provide an edge in endurance, allowing fighters to maintain their energy and strength throughout long bouts.
Post-TRT, he had to rely more on experience, skill, and strategy rather than sheer physicality. Belfort was one of the highest-profile fighters using TRT, and his association with it was widely discussed. Belfort, once known for his explosive power and aggressive fighting style, faced significant changes when he was no longer allowed to use TRT. While TRT may seem like a fair solution for age-related decline, it raised concerns about unfair advantages, inconsistent regulations, and potential health risks. Social media discussions often reflected this divide, with some praising TRT fighters for their resilience and others accusing them of "cheating." Others felt that TRT undermined the spirit of fair competition, giving fighters who used it an edge. Some fans supported fighters like Belfort, saying that TRT allowed them to see legends continue to compete, even as they aged.
Another risk is the development of dependency, where the body reduces its natural testosterone production in response to the regular intake of artificial testosterone. Aside from ethical concerns, there are serious health considerations when it comes to TRT. The main reason PEDs are banned is to prevent athletes from gaining an unnatural edge over their competition. Sports try to promote a "level playing field," where athletes compete based on their natural abilities, training, and hard work.
However, when used by athletes, particularly in high-stakes sports like mixed martial arts (MMA), it brings up several issues. As more MMA fighters received TRT exemptions, fans and other athletes began to question the fairness of the practice. WADA’s strict policy has influenced how many other sports view TRT, emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach to prevent any form of advantage through artificial testosterone.

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