"Morally and ethically wrong" - Mikey Musumeci on why taking steroids in combat sports should never be justified
Mikey Musumeci has never been afraid to address grappling's biggest gray area. As much as people want to sweep it under the rug, Brazilian jiu-jitsu has always had a problem with performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).
Now that the sport is finally breaking into the mainstream, Musumeci is still baffled by the lack of consistent testing in most grappling promotions. According to 'Darth Rigatoni', the absence of transparency somehow encourages the usage of steroids for most grapplers, given its immediate effects.
The reigning flyweight submission grappling world champion explained:
"You could say that if you're in a certain organization that doesn't test. Yes, in your organization, it might be legal on paper, but you're still morally and ethically wrong."
Meanwhile, ONE Championship has certainly been a game-changer in the fight to eliminate PEDs from 'The Gentle Art'. Musumeci, a lifetime natural athlete, is one of the most vocal and staunch supporters of this movement.
Moreover, the 28-year-old grappling superstar also warned the young generation to stay away from the needle, given the scientifically proven health hazards that come along with it.
PEDs, of course, give its users an unfair advantage like seemingly superhuman strength, and the ability to recover quicker. However, the risk-to-reward ratio is simply not worth it, especially in the long run.
Musumeci added:
"And, you're probably f***ing up your body for a long time. So who wants that?"
Mikey Musumeci says PED users are simply 'cheaters'
Mikey Musumeci believes there's no justifiable reason for doping to be acceptable in any sport.
'Darth Rigatoni' added:
"That mindset of 'everyone's on it, you can do it too' is wrong. You're cheating. It's simple as that. So that's something I really hope in my lifetime I'm able to get to support the change."
Meanwhile, Musumeci's next adversary will be another prominent figure in the battle against steroids. The five-time IBJJF world champion will challenge Kade Ruotolo for his lightweight submission grappling crown at ONE 168: Denver on September 6.
Tickets for ONE 168: Denver at Ball Arena are available via Ticketmaster