Steroids in MMA - Coach Zahabi

[@Mountaindewdewable]

Admit it, coach wasabi, you stopped aging 300 years ago.

[@larssonk22]

lmao

[@badoocee1967]

Funny man

[@taters1123]

5 years later he looks literally no different. Arguably younger.

[@ctsd623]

He's on the juice... the Gracie juice bag is real

[@_dracoez345]

@@ctsd623 and youre a loser who thinks that people who put in the work are cheating because youre too lazy to do it yourself

[@loosey5]

Johnny Hendricks took a huge dive downwards since USADA. Firas and GSP be like ಠ‿ಠ

[@TheChocolateChamp]

Lol he can't buy a win after usada. guy goes from line punch knock out monster to total loser. wonder why?

[@Menessy27]

exactly. Dude went from almost beating the GOAT and winning the title to losing to Gastelum lmao

[@MrDylanHole]

He embarrassed Matt Brown, though. He looked shit vs Kelvin but he had a terrible weight-cut again which probably affected his stamina. Suspicious though, yeah.

[@TheChocolateChamp]

+MrDylanHole come on man holding someone down for 3 rounds isn't embarrassing someone. he barely fought

[@jhx42x]

I thought the same thing

[@CoachZahabi]

Glad to announce I finally got Soundcloud podcast! soundcloud.com/firas-zahabi/steroids-in-mma-coach-zahabi

[@GodDamnit7711]

Congrats Firas!

[@stankypantz]

c'mon Firas recovery is one beneficial aspect of the HGH or TRT if everybody is allowed to take it. HGH and TRT don't only allow you to train harder but hit harder due to their anabolic profile. so an athlete on HGH and trt will always have a higher muscle mass to total body mass ratio. more muscle means more force generated behind each hit (to an extent, assuming mobility isn't compromised) and more damage done on an opponent with fewer harder strikes. also more muscle stores more glycogen and myoglobin that will really make the difference in those championship rounds. I'm not against HGH or TRT there are therapeutic uses for the stuff. but it definitely creates an unfair advantage if only one of two people in an octagon is using it. Have you ever wondered why you have weight classes? I'd love to here your thoughts too.

[@adityasinghaswal4923]

streptor1 he has a glass chin ;)

[@AV-js2gg]

"I'm a white boy and I'm jacked, deal with it" - Coach Zahabi

[@TrumpetMunkie]

"Hey, how come nobody's accusing ME of PEDs??" 🤣🤣🤣 Crackin' up, man. Stay awesome, Coach! Osss

[@RafaelEChavez]

Love your MMA discussion and analysis videos I watch every single one of them.

[@CoachZahabi]

you're the man thank you!

[@Christian-Rankin]

PED use in MMA = Assault 100% agree. Also, what the hell is up with supplements? How can we distinguish between PED's and "supplements" lol? Such a weird dynamic there... On cannabis; I would wholly disagree that is calms nerves, at least in my experience and in fact has quite the apposite effect. I don't know if you have ever been "under the influence" but if you are already nervous or "mentally weak" it's not going to do you any favors in my opinion. Cannabis makes me much more self-conscious and conscious of others' (the crowd's) thoughts. I would say if you are high when you fight then you will have an extreme advantage in another way though. If you are not good at something then cannabis will make you worse and clumsier. If you are good at something, however, it will allow you to enter the "flow state" of that activity much easier and it will amplify your skill in a way. Take it or leave it.

[@CoachZahabi]

That's the truth!

[@Christian-Rankin]

Tristar Gym Not done watching, still editing the post as I watch, sorry. :)

[@Christian-Rankin]

Aaron Good point, if you only took one hit it may actually help your nerves instead of make you more nervous.

[@Christian-Rankin]

***** I think I am just naturally a nervous person when risk is involved and cannabis amplifies what's already there. I used feel a surge of epinephrine when I walked into a room full of people, which I suppose is anxiety. Though through martial arts and the removal of some doubts I have learned to control it a bit, if I get stoned as hell and go to HEB or Walmart I'm still going to be nervous/awkward as hell lol It makes whatever you like doing easier, but what you don't like doing, harder...

[@ryrez4478]

+Christian Rankin yeah cannabis fucks my head up badly the older I got the worse it got. never could learn how to keep that in check. I beat opiate addiction but can't beat marijuana anxiety lol figures

[@jff757]

Two words about a fighter coming off the juice and no longer having the skill...Johny Hendricks.

[@enjoyaloha4577]

Hendricks, yes, prime example.

[@TheChocolateChamp]

Lol he's the best example. dude would damn near kill anyone his left hand touched and now can't beat anyyyyyyoneeee. lol it's impossible to fall off that much naturally especially when your power is the last thing to go.

[@esscate]

The problem with that is that peoplethat has taken steroids usually get smaller.

[@UrbanOutlawsSk8Co]

You sir, are a legend. Thanks for the great uploads.

[@firestorm141]

Thanks for doing these. They are always great! you are such a credit to the sport and community!

[@doomsdayholiday4576]

These vids are simply the bomb. Firas, you do it like no other pro on reddit!!! (Sorry Shane!!! love you)

[@Mundane-Living]

Agreed with the psychological aspect of cannabis. I compete at some local BJJ tournaments. I'm just a white belt who barely knows anything and nothing to lose ; the nerves kill me. I feel a little dizzy walking up to the matt ; I feel a little sick ; It feels like everybody is judging everything I do. Just trying to get those under control is hard enough - and this is without strikes allowed!!! I can't even imagine what the UFC fighters have to go through. P.s - when is your Gi vs. No-gi video coming? :)

[@oglow100]

I can totally relate. Comps are brutal

[@epocholypse8638]

I agree when i was younger and competed I think people who were high had the psychological pressures relieved. I choose not to go to competitions now due to me smoking even though it is medical (carpal tunnel in both wrists) I feel personally I would have an advantage.

[@MikeSmith-ve2qu]

Man well said.

[@oglow100]

I love these videos! You're a smart man and a great coach.

[@arthurpreston7353]

Chris Benoit also had innumerable concussions which played a role in the tragedy.

[@CoachZahabi]

a horrible combination. very sad.

[@bijoyjoseph1]

Very bold episode.. thanks for doing this one.. 13:00 .. AKA.. Cain, DC, Luke .. All on juice

[@navyguy3341]

a very technical discussion, when my boys are older and all the current media about ped abuse subsides im going to use this vid to help educate them why not to be tempeted to use peds and how to build a better, more sustainable training ethic.

[@alexandrumacau]

Firas please show more techniques like takedowns with or without gi and it will be cool if you analyse tchniques from the fight. keep up the good work !

[@CoachZahabi]

Thank u and yes will do

[@alexandrumacau]

Much love from Romania !

[@ZviJHare]

As a young fighter trying to learn the game and a huge pot head I actually agree with you sir. Weed out of competition is awesome, even during the lead up I think is fine, but not in the cage. the point of the fight is that the only thing that come in the ring with you is your gloves and your shorts and it should stay that way. But that's just my opinion

[@jamrockk331]

Appreciate you . Big up ! Tell Georges that I said nuff love from a Fan and impressed with his Jamaican dancehall knowledge true cultural man for him to know that bounty killer song haha I know a lot of my Jamaicans up in Canada so not surprised he knew a real dancehall artist like bounty true gully mon authentic legendary artist . Blessings to him and you and your family :)

[@Crest28]

thank you firas, your mentality when it comes to martial arts and physical fitness is spot on, could you do a video on best ways to maximize recovery time so you can get back to training after injuries

[@knowidea7485]

Great Show , I like the way you use maybe , possibly , potentially . . . . i dont know , very humble execution & very informative

[@SHIVAMMISHRA-se4gb]

Brock doesn't have any competition pressure like other entertainers or fighters. 1. in last 1 year he had only 6 fake fights in WWE . He is a part time performer in WWE , unlike others, but gets special full time pay. so forget their daily travelling and weekly fights, his WWE schedule is more than comfortable. 2. he was at UFC 200 for 1 fight to test his abilities as he said - "one day at a time".he wanted to see himself competing as a completely healthy man. he is not under pressure to win fights to improve his rank or go for a UFC title run. 3. he has accomplished everything a fighter and an entertainer wishes to. he is very popular. 4. USADA had been testing him like crazy for few weeks. So, why a person who is not under any kind of pressure, who just wanted to feel being inside the octagon again and who is already very famous would risk to dope? the 2 most plausible answers i think are that either he's having trouble having babies and therefore needed estrogen blocker ( his fight night sample also failed and there's no point in taking estrogen blocker just before the fight. it won't do any good. so if it was estrogen blocker, maybe that's because he had plans with his wife that night who was in fact present there) . another possibility can easily be tainted supplements. Please make comment on these arguments.

[@jobywonkonabi7179]

Lol.

[@ChrisFurgala]

Thanks for doing these breakdowns Firas!

[@tricepsish]

Lol, I wonder what "beachside" gyms you could possibly be referring to? "Blackzili..." cough "American To..." cough

[@Schtoopot]

That massager will not be used for anything else other than massaging. I guarantee it.

[@sharpsam25]

I use it between my checks

[@Delta3angle]

Great video Firas! As a segue from this topic, do you think you could make a video about balancing strength training with MMA, with regards to natural athletes? I ask because Im a gymnast and I often find it tough to balance the two while managing fatigue and ensuring I develop my skill between the two disciplines.

[@dakusan9053]

lets face it everybody in mma uses steroids, it gives you an edge that you cant get naturally and every promotion covers it up because they don't want to mess with it. Its about making money and not about fighter saftey

[@AdzLat101]

Firas, you're a living legend. I don't agree with you at all about weed though man - That shit makes me MORE nervous about stuff - Not more relaxed about something like a cage fight. It also doesn't numb ur pain, not instant pain like a punch to the face, If anything it hinders your reaction times and makes you more lazy. You're a master mind Firas, thanks for uploading these!

[@malcolmappleby4103]

I smoke weed n train n it can help in one way n hurt in others n the worst thing is it isn't always predictable on how a few bongs will make you feel . However the main advantage in smoking weed in my opinion is in lifting wieght or resistance type training as I find it gives you a good (pump) meaning the obvious . Focus is not usually as good though . It can actually make you lazy also .... If your a bodybuilder smoke some weed but if your a fighter I wouldn't advise it.. If your watching Coach ZAHABI smoke some weed .

[@carbedupkelly328]

100% agree, it takes the beauty out of the sport. Everyone will keep pushing the limits on the steroids too.

[@killerdemo]

you forgot kangaroo meat firas

[@CoachZahabi]

Lol yes true very important!!

[@aaron6841]

@@CoachZahabi kangeroo meat has juice in it?

[@bh5817]

@@aaron6841 nah Kangaroo is wild game It’s just a joke about exotic sounding meat being a clever sounding excuse for steroid use

[@aaron6841]

@@bh5817 oh lol thanks for the info :)

[@bahionic]

Firas u said u never tried HGH, the fact is we were all on it from 0-21/23 so high dosage it made us grow.. Even Joe Rogan said open on his podcast he uses HGH and TRT... there is no way he would be able to throw those kicks as hard without the sauce

[@faismasterx]

More testosterone = more muscle = more strength + endurance + power potential = better potential fighter.

[@bksg4ming]

faismasterx and better recovery

[@kuriosites]

Always thoughtful. Your students are lucky to have you.

[@kopxpert]

Mr Zahabi, if I smoke up just before walking out in front of thousands of ppl in the arena (millions on tv), I will be 1000X more nervous and probably be paranoid af but that's just me. Anyway, weed as painkillers is BS for me. I feel physical pain just the same, stoned or not

[@CoachZahabi]

Thanks for the input. Like I said I don't know much about weed.

[@kopxpert]

Tristar Gym well it actually depends on the individual. Others might feel less nervous and more confident after smoking. Anyway, keep up to good work with the videos man :)

[@PabloCruise91]

13:45 Johnny Hendricks, Barao, Pettis... all have been doing terrible since USADA

[@diabolic42090]

add erick silva to the list

[@jakesivilla9321]

PabloCruise91 Barao actually started losing fights Pre-USADA

[@wobertrhittaker6921]

Jake Sivilla the 2nd tj fight was his first since USADA and has done terrible since then

[@jakesivilla9321]

Joe I Right, but what I’m saying is that maybe it’s not exactly USADA since he hasn’t tested dirty so far, thus, no real concrete evidence, and more about him losing his confidence against Dillashaw in both of those losses, which were devastating in every sense of the word.

[@cameronetherington6243]

Do you think there should be a stipulation in contracts that say if there was ped use you have to give some or all of your pay to your opponent like how they do with missed weigh ins?

[@cameronetherington6243]

USADA I believe found a couple cases of tainted supplements off the shelf.

[@MikkelFur]

How to drain your opponents gas tank in grappling?! It would be great get your inputs on how to get your opponent tired while staying fresh yourself in a grappling match. Which positions are good? which strategies do you use? how do you recommend getting the most out of each round?

[@JLDanceSTHLM]

Super interesting. Thank you for doing this.

[@spidey677]

I don't know what people are talking about... Brock looks all natural to me.

[@spidey677]

+azzy mazzy he's natural bro.

[@ac.1265]

Steroids are natural to him..

[@ericmartinez2170]

+azzy mazzy he's fucking with you

[@spidey677]

+azzy mazzy he's natural

[@joshschaefer3715]

+azzy mazzy you're a dumbass.

[@w99mmt]

All of that weed is how Nate Diaz was unfazed by mcgregor trash talk. Thanks for the insight.

[@ahmadbeydoun6478]

Firas you're the man! Love the videos

[@RedBrawler27]

haha really felt like when he was talking about fighters who have gotten worse since pre usada I really felt like he was trying hard to not mention Johnny Henderix

[@peterkolyglot6581]

There should be two divisions per weight class: one for PED users and another for non-PED users. The reason for this is because 1) banning substances does not stop athletes from using them, 2) athletes too often genuinely accidentally consume a banned substance, 3) there is little logic supporting banning certain supplements but not others since all supplements are intended to provide an advantage, and 4) athletes are not kept informed about which substances are banned. Fighters who choose to fight in the PED user division will not need to be tested. Only fighters in the non-PED user will need to be tested. If these latter fighters test positive, then rather than suspending them they will be required to fight in the PED user division until they test negative for X number of months/times tested.

[@propagandaaccount]

I like listening to you Firas, you are very smart and engaging.

[@NotoriousNick91]

On the topic of DC's pay, he menioned on the MMA Hour that he still got PPV points despite the paycut.

[@CoachZahabi]

Nice! glad to hear that!

[@jackorwell1080]

Are you on roids Mr. Zahabi??? (There you Firas hope you're happy)

[@CoachZahabi]

; )

[@pmac2015]

You did not talk about EPO and other forms of blood doping before a fight. Could that have played a bigger role for someone like a Hendricks who was not winded during the GSP fight but now can't make it out of the first or second round? Artificially high endurance might be more dangerous than strength in some match ups.

[@Spartan9567]

Going on Chris Benoit I think with the current research it is pretty clear that CTE was a significant contributor, although I don't think we will ever find out as I don't think they looked at his brain post death. In regards to that PED usage would result in a greater occurrence for CTE

[@ncguthwulf]

Hi Coach Zahabi, at the beginning of the video you talk about your hate of PEDs. There is one thing that you are missing, exogenous vs natural testosterone. My pituitary gland doesn't work properly. I take drugs to increase my own natural T production. I am not adding external steroids or testosterone to my system, I am making up for a failed organ. With this type of TRT treatment I am not very much stronger than I was before but my recovery is better.

[@CoachZahabi]

Of course those with a medical issue are different story. I should have been more clear. For some like yourself it is not taken to enhance performance but to make up for a failed organ I understand.

[@ncguthwulf]

Tristar Gym Thank you for the reply. I am also nearly 40 and not in competition, so in that regard it doesnt matter. And before I go to a local BJJ tournament I will declare what I am on and ask if it is ok to compete.

[@george_mowlam]

Completely agree with your view on PED's! but cannabis wouldn't stop you from feeling physical pain during training. CBD is said to help muscular recovery, probably a similar advantage to your massage gun haha. I also would say that cannabis giving the fighter a mental edge is very subjective and depends on the person, for some it defiantly can negate the stress before a fight however for some people who are already on edge weeks out of a fight it could actually cause them more panic and anxiety. They may prefer to smoke after their fight once they are relaxed to help wind down. I like to smoke after long session of Muay Thai to help me relax, sometimes I can't get to sleep after evening sparring because of the adrenaline. However I probably wouldn't have it leading up to a fight as it could make me overthink about it. Thanks for the vids Coach Firas!

[@Alpha4you.]

Always shower his knowledge in videos thank you

[@DRUMMONDHB]

You are a mastermind when it comes to health and martial arts.

[@ThePARANOIDMarine]

I ordered your excellent looking Tim Tam. Can't wait. thanks Coach Firas

[@CoachZahabi]

Nice! Be sure to let me know what you think. Everyone who has tried it loves it.

[@lidoolsakura]

We all know someday somebody is going to attempt to use the Tim Tam in an unsavory manner. Fun fact: Tim Tams are a great Australian chocolatey goodness

[@toobalkain]

You're an amazing mma pundit, no one breaks down fights like you do. Too bad you don't do it as often as, say, Luke Thomas.

[@nuechternheit]

Very nice video. I like your elaborate explanation and thoughts. Is Cannabis a PED? What do you think about CBD?

[@THEkillerMISKOW]

If i train 2 times a day 5 days in a week ( kickboxing and gymnastics ) is that good or will i burn out my body, overtrain so to say, i train kickbox and want to start gymnastics! thank you for the answer :)!

[@r.b.4611]

"That guy won because he was on juice" Oh, Yoel Romero! I bet he'd shrivel like a tomato in a frying pan if you put him in a room with nothing but food, water, and room to exercise for a few months.

[@tampoco_es_fácil]

Idk man, usada probably checks him 3 times a day, no ones found shit on him thus far. He's a genetic freak as far as I see it. It seems to be an argument against Yoel using steroids that he looks so jacked, since those are the fighters that get tested every day of the week.

[@kehw]

This makes me think about Jonny Hendricks. After USADA he looks like a shell of himself.

[@NeonLeonNoel]

Whoa, that explanation of his justification of banning cannabis is pretty interesting.

[@CoachZahabi]

thank you!

[@polynomiallemniscate]

lots of truth in it. it makes you a lot calmer and it makes a difference during training. for example controlling breath is easier in those mj states and the overall feeling of your body is like... increased.

[@badoocee1967]

Mr. Zahabi, what exactly is the item you mentioned in the beginning?? The item used to keep up maintenance on one's body?? OSS!

[@CoachZahabi]

Timtam.tech most powerful recovery tool

[@badoocee1967]

+Tristar Gym Ok Great. Thank you Sir.

[@AxelArmentaMMA]

13:04 😂 most gym are like this damn didn’t even know I wonder why only the big athletics guys win the those gyms damn need to head up to tristar if you want better training especially if your a smaller less athletic guy

[@prybarknives]

Brilliant and honest commentary.

[@Aaron-zk2wu]

Cannabis does have the potential to reduce anxiety, but for most people it will be highly dependent on the amount of CBD (cannabidiol) in the cannabis they are using. THC, which is the main psychoactive component of Cannabis, tends to actually cause anxiety in most people. In fact, the drug Marinol, which is Delta-9-THC in a sesame oil suspension tends to cause anxiety in patients taking it. But one of the main problems here is that the drug test for cannabis is only looking for THC metabolites, not CBD metabolites. The psychological edge that you're talking about could be achieved by simply using a CBD extract that was confirmed to not have any THC in it. You'd pass the test while receiving the major potential benefits of using cannabis. We need a better test.

[@JamezJitsuV2]

Do you think to compete at the highest level you need PEDS? especially in MMA. The training 2-3x days for 6 days doing insane training alone makes it almost impossible to recover without using IMO. I remember in Golds gym I overheard a ton of people talking about dosages lol, I was thinking if these average joe's take to improve their physique then MMA fighters should almost certainly use. Also do you think drugs like Pain killers are prevalent in MMA? I would think so.

[@rustyray420]

Honestly, you need peds in any professional sports. Lots of athletes use and if youre the only one not on it, it can be a disadvantage

[@madsdam3750]

Great video, though the cannabis thing, you would get that psychological edge much better from alcohol. I agree that it should be keept out of compitition phase though.

[@marcusaurelius2773]

Acquire b/w 1 and 5 new intellectual gems/insights/concepts each and every episode. Hoping you will talk about the Danaher Leglock System in one video - beginner level stuff I can teach my young BJJ practitioner son, if, of course, any of it is even applicable to beginner level (blue belt) students. He loves playfully grabbing legs: might as well make it skillful. Side note: Tonon is a beast.

[@redbull9554]

Anabolics have a legitimate place in an anti-aging. protocol. You make mo exceptions for Non competitive older athletes?

[@zoorrken]

Hello Zahabi! Are you eating a plantbased diet, i think i've seen some video about it? Why do you think there's not more fighters on a plantbased diet? Misinformation? Most nutritionists are bias? What's your favorite top 3 greens / fruits?

[@hamishcampbell489]

Can I like this video x1000? I love this vid, thanks coach

[@ryrez4478]

lookin kinda swole lately firas. u said ur all natty bruh but that's questionable.

[@Hour882Die]

Let him shave his beard so we can see his jaw.

[@sammygawad]

Digging the beard

[@CoachZahabi]

Thanks ; )

[@aaron6841]

@@CoachZahabi hi coach I wonder have you came across any students that you've worked with that have chronic conditions my sister has fibro any advice would be greatly appreciated :) love your show

[@kost1489]

Great job as usual interesting stuff, GSP said he was coming back a little while ago, do you know if he notified USADA and is eligible to be tested right now?

[@klefthoofrobert787]

If i smoked weed before anything that has pressure , i become more paranoid , sweat , and increase pressure 200% , it's not a relaxant in the way you might know :P

[@tylerschwalbe2848]

Effects people differently

[@muaar]

@30:13 hahah cannabis will make you LESS paranoid? I think someone high before a UFC would have a fucking panic attack (unless they're nick diaz)

[@ryrez4478]

muaar u legend I love u.

[@MikeSmith-ve2qu]

That is what made me quit when I was 21 would think like you said it would make some way more paranoid.

[@DreBars]

Is the Tim Tam effective or best for shoulder, shoulder blade, neck areas? It looks great for arms, legs, but i need for back issues! thanks

[@CoachZahabi]

Definitely

[@ApollosFury81]

There is a documentary on Netflix about steroids you should watch Firas. It is called Bigger, Stronger, Faster. It focuses on steroids in both the athletic and bodybuilding world. Please let me know what you think of it, and I would really like to hear your views on the film.

[@ApollosFury81]

P.S. Big fan of your fighters and athletes. You definitely have my respect as a coach. Hopefully one day if I take a trip to Canada I can train with you guys for a bit.

[@OdinMMA]

Great documentary

[@The10532124]

do you think those wrestling weight cuts or previous mma weight cuts had finally caught up with Hendricks therefore deminishing his preformance?

[@peterlong3752]

I agree with pretty much everything Zahabi said, with the exception of weed. Yes, weed can help calm the nerves, that's fact. People with anxiety and depression issues, have been known to feel better after smoking weed. But that's the thing, the effects are after you smoke, as in just after. And the effects last anywhere from 40min to 90min, depending on the potency of the herb, and/or the tolerance of the person taking it. So it would only benefit fighters if they smoke pot an hour or two before they step into the cage to fight. Taking it the night before, or several days before, won't affect one's performance in anyway (imo). If anything if they did take it prior to stepping into the cage, they'd be slower. Their timing would be off. It would be far more disadvantageous to smoke and fight. However, one of the main medicinal values of marijuana, is that it has great natural anti-inflammatory properties. Now I'm not sure if it will help one heal faster, but it definitely makes one feel better. Like taking Advil if you come down with a headache. So no, I don't think smoking weed should be illegal in the sport of MMA. As long as it's not laced with other banned substances, and it's not smoked prior to fighting. And with weed becoming legalized (like tobacco and alcohol) in many parts of the U.S., and soon in Canada, if it is considered an illegal substance like steroids, alcohol should also be banned. It's common knowledge that alcohol inhibits pain receptors. Meaning people under the influence (drunk) have a high threshold for pain. Which is a very big advantage in the sport of MMA. USADA can't pick and choose what THEY think should be banned. If they ban one substance, they should ban ALL substance that can have the same or similar effects. eg. And this is an extreme example. If Gatorade, or Monster energy drinks give you a "boost in performance", just like some PED's, they should be banned as well. Which means they should be removed from any sponsorship within the sport.

[@Monotheist137]

In BJJ competition PED's are very common. I personally think they should allow PED's with strict regulation and observation. Everything we take in our mouth is related with performance enhancing.

[@DavEl8974]

The Cannabis element Firas speaks of I thing is valid. Another is if a fighter is high and not able to recognize their is in pain that is a detriment to their health with in the fight and can't stop himself by tapping or telling their corner they have an injury that they can go on then gets a life changing injury or God forbid they die. What of the clean fighter? They are seen as a killer. Even if they are proven the drug caused it how does that fighter deal with it? They may not be mentally strong and depression comes along and so on. Death can be cause to the dirty fighter or to the clean.

[@gegardbalek5963]

Thank you, great video ! just wondering something though, being against cannabis before fights seems to me like being against meditation before fights, weed won't have the same effect on all people, the relaxation it gives depends on the nature of the situation. Source : I smoke so much weed I'm starting to transform into a tree

[@alantaylor6691]

Medication is something that balances out a sickness, if the substance isn't required for that then it's not being used as a medication. Like people that have low testosterone and have to have TRT to get to normal levels compared to someone that already has normal levels, then using it will enhance them. Cannabis is also a mind-alterer so it's not a good idea. Source: I used to smoke like a chimney myself

[@Orangutan1000]

Cannabis shouldn’t be used before the fight but during training or after it should. I agree that a stoned fighter is a dangerous fighter. Marijuana is one of the most dangerous substances for a martial artist to use against another fighter. Some say that weed can replace food and water.

[@Jorge.A.12]

dumbest thing ever. its impossible to resist cravings on weed. if anything it makes you slower and less reactive.

[@akihussain7493]

Gsp is for sure. Someone who has been on steroids

[@craigyp]

Hey Firas, superb video as always. Really enjoyed it. On this subject, I'm Interested to know your opinions on overeem.... We all knew he was using and he was probably the first high profile name to get caught in 2012. He then took two heavy losses after returning probably because he was used to the years of power and dominance but didn't realise how much he'd suffer without them. But he's now changed his style because of it, and he's looked fantastic against Nelson jds and arlovski, especially jds, and now is one fight away from the title. Do you agree he's a great example of a fighter adapting his game to accommodate USADA and proving he actually is elite level even without the peds. I'm struggling to think of any other fighter who didn't look a shadow of themselves after being caught (Bigfoot, Belfort, silva, Lombard.... Just to name a few) Thanks coach, much respect from London UK.

[@adamzoubi96]

i disagree on canabis use becuase even if it does kill the nervs nobody would take it in the day of the fight i mean think about it nobody would fight high so what does it matter of someone smoked some weed 2 weeks before the fight to relax but roght before the fight he had the same nervs its just like having a cheat meal or taking a fay off or doing something fun if thats cheating then having a hot tob is cheating whats your opnion on that ?? much respect to you

[@eugenesong8357]

Firaz I agree with 99.9999% of everything you said. But if cannabis/weed/marijuana should be banned because it gives you an edge on helping you relax, why isn't alcohol banned? Is there a legitimate rational argument that one should be allowed and not the other? PS There's no way you'd be that buff without PEDs.

[@CoachZahabi]

lol thank you but yes believe it or not I am PED free ; ) As for weed and alcohol they both should be illegal IN Competition Period. My position is not true in itself but simply a question of aesthetic and personal morality.

[@kellyokamoto1604]

Coach Z, what do you think about insurance companies possibly specifically underwriting a title fight against an athlete pissing hot? I'm sure the premiums would be sky high but with all the idiots testing positive it may be the prudent course. A clean fighter could demand that rider be added to the insurance contract at the expense of the guy who pisses hot. If I were a clean fighter I'd demand that in the contract negotiations.

[@RhythmAndStyle]

i totally agree with u, and have been saying that myself for a long time..that steroids is a weapon, plain and simple..

[@ismaildashti5874]

You are the best sensei thank you alote for the info

[@Samplelord]

If you sign a contract to fight without PED's and your opponent tested positive that is a breach of contract. Why are these ( who tested positive after a fight) fighters not being sued,why are they are getting paid even though they are in breach of contract? Is this a managing problem or is there some loophole problem with the contracts?

[@GS-to7cj]

hey firas what about the yoel romero thing wasn't his case resolved due to tainted supplement n i think he sued the company.

[@sginrummy88]

Firas, what subreddit do you go to for questions?

[@CoachZahabi]

R/MMA

[@iroc-z]

Big fan of all your brilliant analysis coach Zahabi, can you please do a video about your assessment of Michael Venom Page style and skill, who would win if he fights Stephen Thompson? and can MVP fighting style work against GSP's ?

[@thomaslauzon4118]

Great video Firas thanks. I think it should be brought up that MVP smashed cyborgs skull in and hes thin as a rail imagine what Lesnar would be able to do if he had the same skill level..If a steroid user had done that to santos I would bet there would be alot more attention paid to doping in mma.

[@OdinMMA]

Being thin doesn't mean much of anything. Someone can still be extremely strong and powerful even if they aren't muscular. Big muscles are generally a poor indicator of athleticism, tendons and ligaments are where real strength and power come from.

[@cooljayhu]

In regards to Benoit, brain injuries played as much or more of a part in that than roids did. Benoit definitely used PEDs. In fact he an exemption to use TRT because he destroyed his endocrine system using steroids early in his career. However, his brain was also beat up to the point that it resembled an 80+ year old dementia patient. He had depression, suicidal thoughts, and anger issues. The whole situation was a tragedy.

[@LeesChannel]

I wish I had the money and accreditation to take you up on your offer.

[@CoachZahabi]

So do I

[@coolissimo69]

Thanks Great One for this video

[@Compufighter]

Hi Firas, I have a question, lets say your in a life and death situation against someone on PED's what other kinda gameplan/strategy would be a good to apply other then the obvious answer being technical? would there even be another answer to deal with this scenario?