UFC, NAC work out path for Stephanie Egger to be licensed after picogram-level USADA test
Stephanie Egger won't be permitted to fight in Nevada for at least six months – but she isn't exactly suspended either.
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Stephanie Egger won’t be permitted to fight in Nevada for at least six months – but she isn’t exactly suspended either.
On Wednesday, the Nevada Athletic Commission held a hearing for Egger to discuss a U.S. Anti-Doping Agency test that Egger took following her UFC debut loss to Tracy Cortez on Oct. 10 in Abu Dhabi.
On Oct. 11, Egger tested positive for 27 picograms of M3 metabolite traces of the anabolic steroid DHCMT. However, the presence of the M3 metabolite is permitted under the UFC’s USADA drug testing protocol up to a level of 100 picograms unless there is evidence of intentional or reckless use by the athlete.
“If you took one milliliter of Ms. Egger’s urine and split it into one trillion parts, approximately 25 of those parts would be the M3 metabolite,” UFC vice president of athlete health and performance Jeff Notivsky said on the conference call hearing.
Since the initial finding, the UFC has tested Egger three more times – on Oct. 27, Nov. 9, and Nov. 12. While the November tests have not returned, the Oct. 27 test showed the presence of seven picograms per milliliter.
“(The decrease in picograms) is a very good sign that Ms. Egger is not continuing to be exposed to DHCMT as her levels decreased from 27 picograms to seven picograms per milliliter in a little over two weeks,” Novitsky said.
Novitsky also shed light on a phone call that took place earlier this week between him, NAC executive director Bob Bennett, and former USADA science director Dr. Daniel Eichner. According to Novitsky, Eichner reviewed Egger’s case and found there was “absolutely no performance-enhancing benefits” of the M3 metabolite’s presence.
Given the information provided by Novitsky, the NAC voted to grant USADA’s request and will allow Egger licensure should she continue to maintain a low level of picograms through bi-weekly testing.
Egger’s case is not the only one of its kind pertaining to the M3 metabolite. Multiple other UFC athletes were referenced by Novitsky, most notably former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and recent cases with flyweight Ryan Benoit and light heavyweight Roman Dolidze.
“I think I understand this issue well now and am comfortable with what you’re asking for because we’ve established a precedence for a path to licensure for these fighters, which I think is great,” NAC chairman Anthony Marnell said. “I think we’re the only industry, if not commission, in the world that’s actually providing a path to licensing for DM3 metabolite. I would wish that other sports, specifically my favorite sport of baseball, would consider the same because a lot of athletes are getting caught (for this).”
Since the UFC is self-commissioned in Abu Dhabi, it is unclear whether or not the promotion plans on booking Egger sooner than the approved timeline laid out by the NAC and USADA.
Egger is not currently booked for her next UFC appearance. However, Notivsky stated she may compete “in another location” prior to the conclusion of the six-month testing period.