When Kayla Harrison transitioned from Bellator to UFC, her superlative fitness became a central talking point. Yet, it’s the two-time Olympic gold winner’s awe-inspiring muscularity, reminiscent of a superhero, that generated some contentious debates around potential use of performance-enhancing drugs. However, being a former American Judo expert, as young as 13, Harrison was subjected to rigorous doping checks by the USADA. From her Olympics days to the present, the checks have been continual.
Harrison’s impressive physique can be attributed to her ceaseless dedication, disciplined routine, and obviously, her superior genetic predisposition. It’s noteworthy that during her Olympic stint in the 172 lbs category, she is now diligently working towards maintaining a tough 135 lbs for the UFC women’s bantamweight category. The astoundingly lean build of this future UFC star has even stimulated admiration from her contemporaries citing her physical condition as among the finest in the entire promotion.
Aptly, Navajo Stirling remarked that Harrison is ‘constructed like John Cena’. Cena himself kicked off his workout regimen at 17 with dreams of establishing a career in professional bodybuilding. However, he later decided to try his luck in the world of professional wrestling, becoming an illustrious 17-time WWE champ.
In addition to Harrison, Stirling generously recognized former Bellator lightweight victor Michael Chandler and himself for their remarkable fitness. He credited his defined musculature to the intense wrestling sessions and refined weight training he indulges in.
Over its history, UFC has been home to several exceptionally muscular fighters. But none have amassed as much recognition for their physique as Yoel Romero. His excellently chiseled physique had fans affectionately dub him the ‘Soldier of God’. Regrettably, even he faced his share of disputes.
In 2016, Romero did test positive for a proscribed substance according to the USADA’s findings. However, he challenged the results, legal proceedings followed, and eventually, the USADA vindicated him. They asserted the positive test originated from an infected supplement Romero was consuming.
Let’s not forget heavyweight contender Alistair Overeem, who frequently found himself at the center of discussions concerning potential steroid use. Nevertheless, due to the stringent regulations enforced by the USADA, the build of heavyweight competitors has appeared noticeably less bulky in recent times.
Despite the various controversies, it is Rogan’s belief that he would relish seeing UFC heavyweights capture some nostalgia from the past.