Joe Rogan argues that IVs are beneficial and UFC is "stupid" for not allowing athletes to use them for rehydrating: "Because of the fear"
Joe Rogan believes that fighters should be able to use IVs for rehydration if it helps them stay healthy. Most UFC fighters shed weight by dehydrating their bodies to stay within divisional limits at the weigh-ins. The UFC enforced the ban on the use of IVs for rehydration in 2015 due to its perceived advantage in masking certain performance-enhancing drugs.
In a recent episode of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, the UFC color commentator discussed the topic with Enhanced Games co-founders Christian Angermayer and Dr. Aron D'Souza:
"In the UFC, they don't even let them rehydrate with IVs anymore. We can't do any IVs in the UFC. Yeah, they won't let you... just because of the fear of masking the performance-enhancing drugs, 'cause it could flush your system. But the problem with that is, IV is great for you. Like, this is really stupid."
He added:
"If you can make sure that the person is just doing IV vitamins, I mean if your random testing is effective, you should just do that. Don't stop someone from using something that's going to make them healthier."
To back his argument, Rogan said that MMA is a dangerous profession, implying that fighters should be allowed to use solutions like IVs to preserve their health.
Check out Joe Rogan's comments here (8:30).
The ban on IVs has made it difficult for fighters to cut large amounts of weight. Fighters like Georges St-Pierre welcomed the move as he felt it stopped fighters from "weight bullying."
However, it has also become a part of the PED debate due to reasons mentioned by Rogan.
Joe Rogan explains a complex aspect of PED use in MMA
Joe Rogan has shed light on different aspects of steroid use through discussions with experts like Dr. Peter Attia and Dr. Andrew Huberman, among others.
While discussing the issue with Lex Fridman, Rogan highlighted one of the main reasons why PED use is banned in combat sports. The podcaster said that the potential negative effects of fighting are more severe than steroid use:
"The concern is not for the athlete [who uses PEDs], the concern is for the opponent. The idea is that you will be able to inflict punishment that you would not ordinarily be able to. You will have more endurance, more power... You will hurt someone... Look, there is eventually going to be a time when someone dies in a mixed martial arts event. And if the victor was on steroids, it is going to be a huge national tragedy and a massive disaster for the sport, for everything."
Check out Joe Rogan's comments below (3:21):