Popular journalist discusses permissible IV use in the UFC per USADA's handbook, sparks fan speculation on equal treatment

Popular MMA journalist Brett Okamoto sparked fan speculation on equal treatment of UFC fighters for IV (Intravenous Therapy) use, following weight cuts.

Okamoto shared a Twitter thread discussing the permissible limit for IV use as per USADA's handbook.

Brett Okamoto

@bokamotoESPN

(Thread)

There seems to be a misunderstanding across the sport on the prohibited or non-prohibited use of IVs ... I myself was not completely aware of this until this latest high profile example/accusation from UFC 284.

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(Thread)

There seems to be a misunderstanding across the sport on the prohibited or non-prohibited use of IVs ... I myself was not completely aware of this until this latest high profile example/accusation from UFC 284.

Okamoto's tweet read:

"There seems to be a misunderstanding across the sport on the prohibited or non-prohibited use of IVs. I, myself, was not completely aware of this until this latest high-profile example/accusation from UFC 284."

Popular MMA channel Spinnin Backfist posted a screenshot of Okamoto's Twitter thread which basically shed light on the use of IVs by fighters. The matter gained interest after Kiwi fighter Dan Hooker posted a series of scathing tweets, directed at Islam Makhachev. Hooker accused Makhachev of cheating by using IVs after what seemed like a brutal weight cut for the Dagestani lightweight champ.

Here is the post from Spinning Backfist:

Spinnin Backfist

@SpinninBackfist

so basically everyone is about to be using IV’s from now on

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so basically everyone is about to be using IV’s from now on https://t.co/nzvHXvMyzh

Brett Okamoto posted that the use of IVs is permissible if the reason for use is 'medically justified and within the standard of care by a licensed physician'. Furthermore, the IVs will have to be 'administered by a licensed medical professional', according to the promotions' and USADA's handbook.

Basically, according to Okamoto, IV use exceeding the 100 ml limit per 12 hours by fighters should be justified by and performed by a licensed physician. Here's what the final comment in the thread read:

"In other words, IVs used to treat severe dehydration caused by cutting weight are not REALLY banned as long as a physician is the one to justify and perform it."

Okamoto's tweet sparked speculation among fans who reacted with the following:

cherrychocolatecola

@antcortezhaynes

@bokamotoESPN Ok Islam did use an IV but it was administered by a professional so it’s all good?

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@bokamotoESPN Ok Islam did use an IV but it was administered by a professional so it’s all good?

Bonk

@dtatham888

@bokamotoESPN So basically if you cut enough weight to the point where you are almost dead, you are able to get IV treatment? Almost benefits weight bullies because they will be able to cut more weight and recover better than their competitors..

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@bokamotoESPN So basically if you cut enough weight to the point where you are almost dead, you are able to get IV treatment? Almost benefits weight bullies because they will be able to cut more weight and recover better than their competitors..

Cale Chips

@HighFiberTakes

@bokamotoESPN The athletes already know this. The real reason fighters rose a stink about it back in the day is because IVs were, and still are, used as a masking agent for PEDs. When Hendricks rose a stink about it, it wasn’t to help his weight cuts, it was really about hiding his PEDs.

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@bokamotoESPN The athletes already know this. The real reason fighters rose a stink about it back in the day is because IVs were, and still are, used as a masking agent for PEDs. When Hendricks rose a stink about it, it wasn’t to help his weight cuts, it was really about hiding his PEDs.

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Did UFC allow Islam Makhachev to use an IV through a medical professional?

Dan Hooker accused Islam Makhachev of cheating by using an IV to rehydrate after his weight cut, prior to UFC 284. Later, pictures of Makhachev's pre-fight photoshoot surfaced showcasing bruises from what looked like injections.

MMA On Point

@OnPointMMA

Dan Hooker had some stuff to say on Twitter this morning.

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Dan Hooker had some stuff to say on Twitter this morning. 👀 https://t.co/b3ofMTqeGl

Makhachev's camp came out with a statement saying that the marks were from testing by USADA. Makhachev came out with the following statement in an interview with Red Corner MMA:

"The UFC works with the expert organization USADA. Before and after the fight I was tested four times in total. Somebody posted a picture with a bruise on my vein. Australia has its own commission that takes blood samples during fight week. They took my blood Wednesday and I had a UFC photoshoot Thursday. Fighters are trying to push a narrative, but the UFC and USADA have no issues with me."

What's confusing is manager Ali Abdelaziz coming out and justifying the use of IVs with the wrong facts. Did he unknowingly let slip the fact that Makhchev had indeed used an IV to rehydrate?

The Fight Hound

@FightHoundTV

I was thinking Dan Hooker was just trolling Islam, but because of Ali's tweet and delete, I think this may have legitimacy.

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I was thinking Dan Hooker was just trolling Islam, but because of Ali's tweet and delete, I think this may have legitimacy. https://t.co/05A8OofTzd

All this raises the question - did the promotion allow Islam Makhachev to use an IV under permissible limits via a medical professional? Even under permissible limits, transparency of use should be a talking point in MMA.

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