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Wolf’s Lair stance against drugs

Following the positive test recorded by Bisping’s last opponent, American Chris Leben, the Wolfslair MMA gym in Widnes is keener than ever to prove its men are not involved in steroid abuse.

Gym owner Anthony McGann, whose charges also include former UFC light-heavyweight title holder Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson and heavyweight Cheick Congo, said: With regards to steroids in the sport, we go one step further than the UFC and test internally. We test in-house before fights. Not because we think our fighters are taking anything but because we don’t want to get tarred with that brush.”

Following his points defeat to Bisping in Birmingham on Oct 18, Leben tested positive for Stanozolol, an anabolic steroid derived from testosterone. He was suspended for nine months as well as being fined a third of his fight purse by the UFC.

McGann said: “Steroids or no steroids, he got his arse kicked, so we’re happy.”

In a controversial and rapidly-emerging sport, which not long ago was described as “human cockfighting” by defeated US Presidential candidate John McCain, the Wolfslair policy is commendable.

The gym also runs an open-door policy for talented fighters to try their hand at Mauy Thai, boxing and Brazilian jui jitsu, a policy that brought British UFC favourite Paul Kelly through the ranks.

McGann is relishing the the opportunity to train international class fighters like Jackson, alongside homegrown talents like Bisping. He said: “It’s been like a fairytale, what started as a hobby has become a very big business.”

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