https://youtu.be/Gd-3Hg_gQbE
UFC legend BJ Penn spoke with KHON2 News in Hawaii (see above) about being flagged by USADA for use of an IV ahead of his scheduled Octagon comeback bout against Cole Miller at UFC 199, a fight that was officially cancelled earlier this week.
“I wasn’t aware that I couldn’t take an IV 365 days a year,” said Penn. “I got an IV back in March and USADA came to do a test. We did the test and they asked me, when was the last time I got an IV. I told them ‘the week before’ and that’s it. We’re not being investigated for any banned substances or nothing like that. It’s just [that] I disclosed to USADA that I did an IV without getting permission from them first and they penalized me for it.”
As Penn explained, he doesn’t feel like this hiccup with USADA will put his UFC return on hold for too long.
“I don’t think it should be so long. I don’t think it should be too long because, I mean ignorance of the rule is no excuse but it has nothing to do with banned substances. We’re not doing anything with any performance enhancement. I think they’ve just gotta lay down the punishment for whatever they feel.”
Penn concluded, “It’s gotta just be a speed bump. I went way too far to say I’m exhausted at this point. Really it’s been amazing how my fights have just been getting pushed back but I guess this is just one more road bump. I’m the best I’ve ever been. I’m doing great in the gym. I feel awesome. I don’t think Greg Jackson would let me quit at this point.”
H/T to MMAFighting.com for transcribing the above BJ Penn quotes.
