UFC in the dark ages faced a tough time establishing itself as a proper sport in front of the world. For Dana White and the team, coming up with an anti-doping mechanism was on the cards but was only realized in 2015. UFC veteran Jim Miller is one of the few active members who saw the sport evolve over the years, as it now finally offers a fair playing field. But a recent trend kick-started by Conor McGregor may have highlighted a glaring loophole.
The Irish fighter has enjoyed an extended vacation since breaking his leg in 2021. But reports of alleged steroid use allowing McGregor to make a miraculous return from a career-ending injury irked Miller. Donald Cerrone followed through on a pathway post-retirement, openly admitting to the use of PEDs and now teasing a return. Offering a reaction to this strange growing trend, Miller touched upon this loophole in MMA fighting.
I have a tough time telling other grown men what to do? But, the fact that he was very open with his use of performance enhancers and the way the majority of his last fights went. He got knocked out quite a few times. That’s not healing from going TRT(testosterone replacement therapy) or whatever…I am not a very big fan of steroid vacation thing, you know? What are we doing?
Jim Miller via Exclusive Interview for MMA Fighting
Miller has been with the UFC since 2008 and holds the record for most wins (27) in UFC history. The 41-year-old fighter has shared the cage with three generations of fighters and remains active to this day. Miller is hoping to make another record by completing 50 UFC appearances and calling it a career. Miller isn’t the only veteran who isn’t a fan of this loophole.
The inaugural BMF champion, Jorge Masvidal, also took aim at ‘Notorious’ for abusing PEDs. Masvidal believes McGregor was secretly making use of various enhancers to gain an edge over his peers. He doubled down on the Irish star waiting for USADA’s exit to announce his return. Much like Miller, ‘Cowboy’ is just two fights shy of 50 UFC appearances. Not long ago, he teased making his UFC return.
Donald Cerrone wants to beat Jim Miller to 50 UFC fights following Conor McGregor
Cerrone’s name ranks among the veteran cage fighters who have been active since the late 2000s. Making his UFC debut a year prior to Miller, ‘Cowboy’ managed to rake up the most appearances (48) in the UFC. Now entering the second leg of his life, the 41-year-old fighter is itching to return.
Donald Cerrone hoping to complete 50 UFC appearances before Jim Miller (Image via Open Source)Cerrone has been out of the fight game ever since his last outing against Jim Miller at UFC 276. The Albuquerque native has dipped his toes in acting alongside Chael Sonnen. After spending 2 years away from the sport, Cerrone has listed down his reasons for a return.
I want to go back and get two more fights. I retired. I told ya I was getting my hair done and get on steroids. The number 50 has been sitting on my mind for a while.
Donald Cerrone via Instagram
Reacting to this news, UFC head Dana White seemed to be not onboard with the idea. White, in his statement, suggested ‘Cowboy’ stay put in retirement as he has nothing left to prove. Unlike Cerrone, McGregor’s return is still being talked about today. However, the recent civil case controversy may have dampened his star power. These two UFC stars have fought each other once before, and it would be interesting to see who they might face in their potential returns.
