Machida: Two year ban for PEDs ‘too strong’
“I think two years is too strong … Because two years, sometimes they have to find another thing to do. That’s why I think you have to think about the punishment.”
Layzie the Savage for BJPenn.com caught up with Lyoto Machida and asked him about the enhanced testing for performance enhancing drugs in mixed martial arts.
“I think if it’s for everyone, it’s going to be good,” he said. “If it’s fair for everyone, it’s going to be good for every fighter. Because now you have more control. You can train very calm. You are not thinking about anything. You’re not thinking about your opponent, because they’re going to test every one. That’s what they said. I think it’s going to be good for the sport, it’s good for everyone.”
“Of course, they have to have some punishment, because it’s a part of the game. But you have to think about what kind of punishment you have to do. Because some times they said two years. Two years is a long time for any fighter, you know?”
“You have to think about the time, because sometimes two years, they can finish their career.”
“I think two years is too strong … Because two years, sometimes they have to find another thing to do. That’s why I think you have to think about the punishment.”
“If they catch you for a second time, lifetime ban. I don’t know. That’s a hard question. I know some penalty is important. But I don’t know, I’m not a judge to say which one, what limits, what time.”
Machida’s comments should be viewed in the context of his Black House teammate Anderson Silva, who faces a fine of unknown length for failing multiple drug tests. Machida recently said that any rift between himself and Silva was a media creation. Calling for harsher penalties at this time could be seen as an indirect slap at Silva.
Lyoto Machida fights Luke Rockhold in the main event of UFC on FOX 15 Saturday night.