Nevada TUE ban has no implications for Irish regulations says Irish Anti-doping Agency

In February, the Nevada State Athletic Commission banned the use of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) in all combat sports in the state. Previously, a fighter could use the therapy and fight if they received a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) from a medical practitioner.

Vitor Belfort was one of the high profile UFC fighters who used the controversial treatment and since the ban, has cancelled his fight against Chris Weidman for the middleweight title.

Siobhan Leonard, Head of the Irish anti-doping agency said the Nevada ban on TUE would have no implications for Irish sport as they follow the line of the World Anti-Doping Agency.

“In regard to TRT, we follow the WADA Prohibited list and as TRT is prohibited, it will not have any ramifications to Irish procedures/regulations. If you are required to take this a treatment for a medical condition you can apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption”, she said.

With the UFC landing in Dublin in July this summer, there will be no extra testing by Irish authorities. “Testing at the July event is a matter for the UFC as testing would not come from the Irish National Testing Programme,” she said.

By Simon Maguire – @SimonGMaguire