UFC's Holly Holm’s Controversial Deal

UFC women’s Bantamweight champion Holly Holm just signed a two-year endorsement deal with a bodybuilding supplements manufacturer.

That sounds good, right?

There’s one problem: that manufacturer, called Hi-Tech, is a pharmaceutical company that produces supplements containing an amphetamine-like stimulant called DMAA.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Anti-Doping Administration (WADA) both banned DMAA in 2013 due to a purported link to cardiovascular problems. The FDA claimed the substance was linked to 86 “adverse health effects” and increase the risk of cardiovascular problems like heart attacks.

Nevertheless, some manufacturers continue to sell the supplement promising enormous weight loss, muscle growth, and better athletic performance. Hi-Tech is one of those companies. As one of their product’s descriptions reads,

“Most companies let the FDA intimidate them into stopping the sales of this extremely potent combination. Well not Hi-Tech!”

In 2013, Hi-Tech (which is based in Georgia) was actually raided by US Marshalls. They seized over $2 million worth of supplements, and Hi-Tech is actively fighting the situation in court.

In promotional images released by the company, Holly is seen standing next to five bottled Hi-Tech products, three of which include DMAA.

What’s up with Holly Holm?

Does she know about this illegal substance?

5 Fast Facts to Know About Holly Holm’s New Endorsement Deal with Illegal Supplement Company

Here are 5 fast facts you need to know about Holly Holm’s new endorsement deal.

It’s Not Holm’s First Controversial Supplement Company Endorsement

Holm captured the Bantamweight title from longtime champion Ronda Rousey back in November 2015.

You may remember in the days after that fight there was some controversy over Holm’s endorsement by a company named Intel Pharma.

Specifically, Intel Pharma sold products containing Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs), which are a quasi-legal form of steroids (basically just a less harmful derivative of anabolic steroids).

In the days following the event, Intel Pharma owner Langdon Suggs revealed that both sides parted ways.

Holm Has Never Tested Positive for PEDs

Some media outlets are dragging Holly’s name through the mud after this latest endorsement problem.

However, Holm has been tested multiple times since she joined the UFC last year. All of those tests have come back negative for PED usage.

The UFC is Getting Serious About PEDs

For years, the UFC was accused of taking a lax approach to PED usage among its athletes.

In 2015, the organization finally decided to take a stand. It partnered with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), which follows guidelines outlined by the WADA.

Since this partnership took place last June, the UFC has caught several of its high profile athletes, including Gleison Tibau, who was caught blood doping and issued an apology, and Gilbert Melendez, who was suspended one year for the presence of testosterone metabolites in his system.

UFC Athletes Are Free to Receive Sponsorships from Anyone

USA Today reports that Holm and all other independent contractor fighters at UFC events are free to sponsor and endorse whoever they like.

The only restriction is that the endorsement cannot conflict with their contractual obligations at UFC events.

The key difference here is that Holm is endorsed by a company that makes a banned substance. That doesn’t necessarily mean she’s actually using that banned substance.

Holm’s Next Fight is in March

Holm is an 18 time world champion boxer who just recently joined the UFC. The 34 year old was the first woman to beat the undefeated Ronda Rousey.

Holm’s next match, however, won’t be against Rowdy Ronda Rousey. Instead, she’ll fight top contender Miesha Tate at UFC 197 on March 5, 2016 in Las Vegas.

That highly-anticipated fight is just the co-main event. The main event is a 155 pound fight between UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael dos ANjos and UFC Featherweight Champion Conor McGregor.

Stay tuned for any further updates to this story as we move forward!

It is also noteworthy to interrelate the Peyton Manning PED controversy as the second major athlete and public figure to be linked to performance enhancing drugs and supplements.