First let’s just make it clear that we aren’t calling anyone out on juicing. The Steroid Era refers to a time in MMA when testing wasn’t as extensive, negative results were buried, and the punishments for failing a drug test were basically a slap on the wrist. Up until very, very recently with the new drug testing programs, rules, and most recently the IV ban it was a free-for-all out there.
Some of the guys on this list have failed tests, some haven’t. We’re not here to condemn anyone without evidence.
With the disclaimer out of the way, check out how huge some of these guys were. And those capped delts.
Hector Lombard
Lombard is an absolute beast.
Bobby Lashley
Dude looks like he’s right out of a comic book or something. Notice a trend among the guys who came over to MMA from pro wrestling? Also he has Resting “I just pooped myself” Face.
Mark Coleman
Mark Coleman is a pioneer of MMA as we know it, and he was around in the heart of the steroid era. Since Pride literally encouraged fighters to get juicy, anyone who compared in Pride was likely getting a little extra help. But again, this isn’t a witch hunt. It’s a showcase.
Alastair Overeem
The Reem claims natty, attributing his sudden gains to a diet consisting entirely of “horse meat”. Pass the horse meat, bro.
Brock Lesnar
Brock is a freak of nature, he was massive even while wrestling in high school. Go ahead, tell him he has a tattoo of a dick on his chest, we dare you.
Rousimar Palhares
One of the nastiest dudes in all of MMA. He lost his belt because he refused to let go of submissions when his opponent taps, even when the ref is trying to pull him off. He just gets so in the zone, the guy is a savage. He does that in the gym, too, so people don’t even want to train with him.
Mariusz Pudzianowski
Good googly moogly, talk about a beast of a man. He’s the personification of the Steroid Era.
Thiago Alves
It’s not just heavyweights that packed on muscle. Thiago has been fighting professionally since 2001, and he’s only 31 years old. He’s huge for 170lbs.
Ricardo Arona
He’s legit, with wins over Wanderlei, Hendo, and Overeem. He almost beat Rampage, too, except he’s the guy from that infamous slam while he was trying to lock in a choke.
Bob Sapp
Did you think we’d forget Bob Sapp?! C’mon, give us some credit here.
Don Frye
Let’s finish it up with Frye from his Pride days.
