Derrick Lewis Thinks PEDs Don’t Help Fighters

Performance-enhancing drugs have been in the MMA news cycle constantly since USADA began stringent testing around the clock for UFC fighters. From fighters talking about the “evils” and how PEDs have ruined the sport, to some of the most high-profile fighters failing drug tests, to people saying that those drugs don’t make you a better fighter, there are no shortage of opinions. Top-15 heavyweight Derrick Lewis is one of those fighters with an interesting look on illegal drugs in the sport.

Lewis (16-4, 1 NC MMA) recently spoke to MMAjunkie.com on a variety of topics, including the subject of drugs in the sport of MMA. Lewis said that he does not care if a fighter is using illegal drugs or not because he doesn’t think that they a improve a fighter’s skills. The heavyweight had previously stated that “70 percent” of the division used PEDs.

“I don’t care if the guy is juicing or not, it really don’t matter,” Lewis said. “That stuff don’t help, you know. It just makes you look good. But I believe steroids don’t give you that extra boost when you go out there. First of all, I believe the guys taking it, they’re really insecure. So, that’s the only advantage I see. Just being insecure about it and making yourself feel good. I guess they think they have that extra boost.”

Lewis has been on a roll in the heavyweight division, winning his last four fights with his last victory being against Roy Nelson at UFC Fight Night: dos Anjos vs. Alvarez back in July. He’s slated to face Marcin Tybura at UFC Fight Night 97 on October 15.

The rest of the interview can be seen here.