Holly Holm, the mixed martial arts fighter who knocked out Ronda Rousey last weekend, has come under scrutiny after it was revealed that one of her sponsors sells supplements banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
According to USA Today, Texas-based Intel Pharma offers four products known as Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs), which mimic the effects of testosterone.
"The first question I asked them was how many of these products were banned, and they were up front about it. Holly didn’t really use them so it’s not a big deal," said Lenny Fresquez, Holm’s manager.
"I’m sure she didn’t use any of them. She might have taken a picture with one," he added.
Fresquez's comments appear to be true,
as the Daily Mail reported that, "Holm and Rousey have both been tested multiple times by the UFC since July and their samples have come back clean."
Renowned anti-doping expert Don Catlin said that, as one of the most high-profile fighters in the world, having such a dubious sponsor is "a pretty bad idea" for Holm.
Holm's relationship with Intel Pharma does not appear to run afoul of any UFC rules. As independent contractors, the UFC fighters can accept any sponsorship, as long as such sponsorships "do not conflict with their contractual obligations at official UFC events."
Holm knocked Rousey out in the second round of their championship fight in Melbourne, Australia on Saturday, flooring her with a left kick to the face. Many called it the biggest upset in the history of the sport.
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