Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Help Keep Boards Alive. Support us by going ad free today. See here: https://subscriptions.boards.ie/.
If we do not hit our goal we will be forced to close the site.

Current status: https://keepboardsalive.com/

Annual subs are best for most impact. If you are still undecided on going Ad Free - you can also donate using the Paypal Donate option. All contribution helps. Thank you.
https://www.boards.ie/group/1878-subscribers-forum

Private Group for paid up members of Boards.ie. Join the club.

Pablo Popovitch Gives UFC Champion BJ Penn a Helping Hand

2

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,479 ✭✭✭t-ha


    I don't know much about steroids, so I well could be wrong, but would he not still have a similar physique to what he had a year ago if he stopped taking the steroids but kept up the same level of training, he'd hardly lose it all since July (assuming he stopped taking them when he was first caught).
    Once you come off of steroids you physically can't keep up the same level of training. It's not a question of heart, but one of physiology. There are ways to hang on to some of your gains for a little while, but basically you go back to where you were pre-roids once you come off of them. Look up ex-elite bodybuilders like Dorian Yates or Tom Prince. Pro bodybuilders I've spoken to have told me that they reckon within 6 months of going clean most of your steroid-induced gains are gone, and certaintly after a year clean whatever you've still got is all you.

    Also, there are designer steroids out there that testers can't find, and AFAIK there are steroids out there that clear the system in about a day or so. This is all assuming that we do see the old Sherk. I think a lethargic Sherk would answer an awful lot of questions.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,639 ✭✭✭john kavanagh


    Dragan wrote: »
    Or you could say you can't understand how anyone would like to see a steroid abusing muscle head beat a policeman assaulting technician?

    Just think it's a bit low to mention the failings of the one but not the other is all.


    how would that improve his chances of hurting sherk in the cage?


  • Posts: 14,379 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Dragan wrote: »
    Or you could say you can't understand how anyone would like to see a steroid abusing muscle head beat a policeman assaulting technician?

    Just think it's a bit low to mention the failings of the one but not the other is all.

    Have to agree with John, open hand slapping an off duty cop who is roughing up your brother in a nightclub melee is not gonna make u be able to lift more weight and carry extra muscle mass while not stopping you training your cardio!

    Sherk cheated, end of story. What they do in their private life and their dealings with law enforcement are frankly irrelevent because all we should be worrying about is their fighting capabilities and Sherk is getting ilegal help to make him be able to beat guys.

    As BJ says "Steroids mean u dont have to spend hours on the mat drilling the same armbar over and over again"


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,497 ✭✭✭✭Dragan


    My point is that it came across as a simple character attack favouring the **** ups of one over the **** ups of another.
    As BJ says "Steroids mean u dont have to spend hours on the mat drilling the same armbar over and over again"
    Ah well, at least with a quote like that i can be 100% positive that BJ has never touched gear!


  • Posts: 14,379 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Dragan wrote: »
    My point is that it came across as a simple character attack favouring the **** ups of one over the **** ups of another.

    To be honest i wouldnt care if Sherk has a fetish for midget porn and he likes to dress up as a woman, what i care about is how he fights in the ring and if he cheats then I have a big problem with that.

    Dragan wrote:
    Ah well, at least with a quote like that i can be 100% positive that BJ has never touched gear!

    The quote was geared(pun intended:p) towards highlighting that steroids can make up at times for deficits in skill which goes against everything I believe in personally.

    I think BJs (former) pudgy physique and questionable cardio will tell ya that he hasnt touched the gear (along with all the tests he has passed, something Sherk cant fall back on) but the guy gives it his all and at least u know its honest.


  • Advertisement
  • Closed Accounts Posts: 36 scottydog


    I have just returned from a character-building soul cleansing break abroad:)..i have read..tutted...ruminated on this earnest discussion..:rolleyes:..the big bad roid rage cheat...the graceful..artistic even,...guy who slapped a cop!:)

    Theres a lot of emotion on here but i would like to add my considered, unbiased...maybe even mature, opinion:rolleyes:

    SEAN SHREK....YOURE...DEAD.....::D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 213 ✭✭wayne1


    Sean Sherk, who tested positive for the steroid nandrolone in California in July 2007 and was suspended from fighting for six months, today presented himself before the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) via telephone to answer questions the Commission had for him. Sherk is scheduled to fight BJ Penn in Las Vegas on May 24th at UFC 84: Ill Will. He is in the midst of the application procedure for his license to fight in the state of Nevada.

    Sherk’s license would normally be administratively approved with no further mention but given his positive test for nandrolone in California in 2007 the NSAC wished to discuss the matter in more detail.

    Sherk has already submitted all the necessary medical and administrative paperwork for his license to be approved. A commission member asked Sherk, “Mr. Sherk, do you understand that the NCAC will hold you responsible for anything that comes up positive in your test, irrespective of your knowingly taking a certain steroid?”

    “Yes I understand that I am responsible for anything that goes into my body,” Sherk answered.

    Given his prior record of testing positive for steroids, the Commission decided to impose an extra requirement on Sherk: in addition to his paperwork being in order and submitting himself for the regular drug and steroid test the night of his fight against Penn, the NSAC has voted to require Sherk to present himself for an additional drug and steroid test during the week of April 21st.

    One staff member also asked Sherk to explain an assault charge that Sherk received in 1994. Sherk explained that he was at a bar with friends, and one friend got into a fight with another group of men. Sherk got involved as the fight moved to the parking lot but claimed it was “a mistake… something I wouldn’t do again”.

    The commission member asked Sherk to confirm that he had no plans for such activity when he visits Las Vegas. Sherk responded, “No I haven’t fought outside the ring in the last ten years.”

    Satisfied with his response, the NSAC confirmed the decision to require Sherk to take the extra drug test, and moved to the next order of business.

    Sherk’s fight with Penn is widely anticipated by mixed martial arts fans, who recall Sherk’s ability to take down BJJ black belt Kenny Florian at will during their encounter at UFC 64. Penn’s wiliness on the ground and ability to withstand takedown attempts lead many to believe that he may be able to shut down Sherk’s wrestling-based style. :cool:


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,497 ✭✭✭✭Dragan


    The quote was geared(pun intended:p) towards highlighting that steroids can make up at times for deficits in skill which goes against everything I believe in personally.

    I think BJs (former) pudgy physique and questionable cardio will tell ya that he hasnt touched the gear (along with all the tests he has passed, something Sherk cant fall back on) but the guy gives it his all and at least u know its honest.

    To be honest, nothing i have studied on anabolic steroids would indicate to me that they can help you develop your skill set. Make you bigger? Sure. Make you stronger? Most certainly. Help you recover? No doubt.

    But i'm not sure they would have any such effect on your CNS?

    Not saying this for any other reason than to stop this coming up in google and having some dude think if he pounds Sus-250 he'll end up like BJ or something.

    As for Sherk being done for assault, what a dumbass. I also love the fact that for every time a fighter gets in trouble it was always to help out a friend!


  • Posts: 14,379 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Dragan wrote: »
    To be honest, nothing i have studied on anabolic steroids would indicate to me that they can help you develop your skill set. Make you bigger? Sure. Make you stronger? Most certainly. Help you recover? No doubt.

    But i'm not sure they would have any such effect on your CNS?

    Not saying this for any other reason than to stop this coming up in google and having some dude think if he pounds Sus-250 he'll end up like BJ or something.

    As for Sherk being done for assault, what a dumbass. I also love the fact that for every time a fighter gets in trouble it was always to help out a friend!

    Im not suggesting Sherk isnt skilled at all, or that roids would develop his skillset(:p obviously :p) what Im saying his he beats guys by outlasting them. I mean his shot against Florian was as explosive in round 5 as it was in round 1. If he was juice free would he have been so fresh? Florian and France both had trouble dealing with his pure physicality. They may have had a better chance in an even playing field. Not saying he wouldnt have won anyway, the sheer dominance of those performances suggests he would but the way he mauled them was in a lot of ways due to superior cardio and strength.

    BJ got gone for "assault" while defending his brother yes, it was an open handed slap on an off duty cop by all accounts. To be honest if he had actually properly assaulted the guy he'd be in jail. It was looked at as more of a misdemeanor and his sentence reflected that. To be honest, that for me is irrelevent though because it wont give him an unfair and unearned advantage over his opponents in the cage whilst taking substances that help u to be physically stronger than your opponent is plain cheating.


    Back to the topic at hand, Pablo Popovitch, been watchin a lot of his vids lately, the guys an absolute monster!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 161 ✭✭RNCFAN


    This fight with Sherk is gonna be beautiful to watch. I don't see any reason why BJ would not be motivated for this fight. Anyone who's watched him over the years knows thats the Key - Motivation. If he's motivated he will prepare and be in shape and if BJ is in shape its gonna
    be a bad night for Sherk.


  • Advertisement
  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,639 ✭✭✭john kavanagh


    Dragan wrote: »
    My point is that it came across as a simple character attack favouring the **** ups of one over the **** ups of another.

    not a character attack. just pointing out he cheated so he had a better chance of damaging his opponent.

    tbh couldnt care less how fighters act outside the cage...i dont follow them as role models :D just admire certain fighters abilities in the cage.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 20,759 ✭✭✭✭dlofnep


    Sherk and BJ are both skillful in the cage. For different reasons. sean is an explosive powerhouse with great wrestling. BJ a slick as they come jiu-jitsu player, with a titanium jaw and good hands.

    In anycase, I really like this fight. It's the pepperoni pizza of MMA fights.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,639 ✭✭✭john kavanagh


    dlofnep wrote: »
    Sherk and BJ are both skillful in the cage. For different reasons. sean is an explosive powerhouse with great wrestling. BJ a slick as they come jiu-jitsu player, with a titanium jaw and good hands.

    In anycase, I really like this fight. It's the pepperoni pizza of MMA fights.

    being an 'explosive powerhouse' is not a skill (technique plus timing) its an attibute....greatly helped by certain chemicals. his wrestling is good but largely attribute based (like most wrestlers in the ufc). i've been lucky enough to have had the odd 'pull' with olympic level wrestlers...just like high level bjj blackbelts they are totally reliant on levers and timing...not power.

    i'm not a pepperoni fan so i'll say its the dominoes garlic pizza bread of fights! :D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 20,759 ✭✭✭✭dlofnep


    True, it's an attribute.. But Sherk also possesses alot of skill in his wrestling technique - he has been wrestling for years. I wouldn't attribute it all to his strength.

    The free garlic pizza breads that come with the pepperoni pizza? :D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,923 ✭✭✭Nothingcompares


    I think it's interesting that Sherk didn't wrestle through college but still has good wrestling skills compared even to the wrestlers in the UFC who have won NCAAs and been involved in Olympics. For the record I'm behind Bj all the way but I hope Sherk turns up in super shape


  • Posts: 14,379 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    I think it's interesting that Sherk didn't wrestle through college but still has good wrestling skills compared even to the wrestlers in the UFC who have won NCAAs and been involved in Olympics. For the record I'm behind Bj all the way but I hope Sherk turns up in super shape

    GSP started at 21 and was considering goin for the Olympics......


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,594 ✭✭✭Fozzy


    GSP started at 21 and was considering goin for the Olympics......

    I don't know how close he'd have gotten, but he wouldn't have got as close if he were American


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,923 ✭✭✭Nothingcompares


    GSP started at 21 and was considering goin for the Olympics......

    i agree gsp is amazing


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,448 ✭✭✭Roper


    Watch Sherk wrestle and then watch say, Henderson wrestle. Henderson is a big, powerful man but when it comes to his takedowns he makes it look easy, then watch Sherk do the same thing and watch how much effort it takes. I know I'm not comparing like with like here, considering how good a wrestler Henderson is, but just trying to give an example of a good wrestler with good attributes, versus a middling wrestler with great attributes.

    I think it remains to be seen how many of those attributes remain in Sherk now that he's clean. What is clear is that the UFC really didn't give a fvck if he was juicing, sure they interviewed him at BJ's last fight, as though the ban was a temporary inconvenience.

    And for those of you who want Sherk to win... what?!!! I only know of one guy who'd rooting for Sherk and that's because he's a WWE fan and Sherk more fits the profile of what a fighter should look like to him.:D


  • Posts: 14,379 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Roper wrote: »
    And for those of you who want Sherk to win... what?!!! I only know of one guy who'd rooting for Sherk and that's because he's a WWE fan and Sherk more fits the profile of what a fighter should look like to him.:D

    I wonder if he still will without the juice.



    I think u hit the nail on the head with the first part of your post, although Hendo is a Greco guy and Sherk is a freestyle guy, its still relative because the 2 times where Sherk got owned was against guys who were physically bigger than him (Hughes and GSP) whilst Hendo throws around the bigger guys.


    I hope BJ puts a clinic on here tbh.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,857 ✭✭✭Valmont


    France both had trouble dealing with his pure physicality. They may have had a better chance in an even playing field

    Even playing field? Franca tested positive after that fight for boldenone or some other horse steroid.


  • Posts: 14,379 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Valmont wrote: »
    Even playing field? Franca tested positive after that fight for boldenone or some other horse steroid.

    Thats 100% true but Franca was taking a substance to stop the pain in his ankle as he had sprained it badly and felt UFC wouldnt ever give him a title shot again. Which is bad on the UFC's part that guys feel that way (I guess David terrell left his mark for constantly pulling out of fights).

    He also admitted it unlike Sherk.


    But you're right they both cheated, but I did indeed say that it may not have made a difference anyway.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,857 ✭✭✭Valmont


    So you believe Franca's after-the-fact excuse that he took steroids solely to get over an injury but you don't believe that Sherk's supplements could have been contaminated?

    Franca knew Boldenone would give him an edge regardless of any injuries he had and he looked in great shape to me.

    I like Franca though and I think Franca vs. Florian would be a great fight.


  • Posts: 14,379 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Valmont wrote: »
    So you believe Franca's after-the-fact excuse that he took steroids solely to get over an injury but you don't believe that Sherk's supplements could have been contaminated?

    Franca knew Boldenone would give him an edge regardless of any injuries he had and he looked in great shape to me.

    I like Franca though and I think Franca vs. Florian would be a great fight.

    No I respect that he was honest and upfront and hasnt tried to con us all like Sherk has by adopting the "if i say it often enough theyll believe it" approach. Sherk is lying. And worse still, people are starting to fall for it. Thankfully most arent. The reception he got in Newcastle was thoroughly deserved IMO. They make the testing levels high to eliminate the element of doubt and Sherk was a fair bit above it.


    I did say earlier on the thread that he would probably have beaten Franca anyway didnt I? He has fought Florian and Franca, neither of whom are good enough, IMO, to be title contenders, so with or without the roids he probably would have won, but both fights he won by decsion, going as hard in round 5 as he was in round 1.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,594 ✭✭✭Fozzy


    Valmont wrote: »
    So you believe Franca's after-the-fact excuse that he took steroids solely to get over an injury but you don't believe that Sherk's supplements could have been contaminated?

    Sherk's offered zero evidence that his supplements were contaminated, he's just moaned and moaned and lied a bit too


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,803 ✭✭✭dunkamania


    http://www.bloodyelbow.com/story/2008/4/16/104328/500

    Sean Sherk's coach talks about his training, emphasis on grecco clinch takedowns, attempting to combat BJ's sprawl.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,594 ✭✭✭Fozzy


    dunkamania wrote: »
    http://www.bloodyelbow.com/story/2008/4/16/104328/500

    Sean Sherk's coach talks about his training, emphasis on grecco clinch takedowns, attempting to combat BJ's sprawl.

    The full interview is here: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/ufc/article1045294.ece

    More lies about the steroid testing


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,497 ✭✭✭✭Dragan


    Poor Sean. He really has gone from the hard-working-class-hero to the villian all in a failed test!!!

    I imagine the much like Timmah the vitriol will eventually die down.

    Personally, i want to see Sherk so up exactly as he was. I want him to be just as big, as ripped, as strong and still with that insane cardio. Not to validate Sherk in any way, just to have BJ fighting the guy i planned on seeing him fight.....and beat.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,497 ✭✭✭✭Dragan


    not a character attack. just pointing out he cheated so he had a better chance of damaging his opponent.

    My apologies so JK as i took that up completely the wrong way. :o


  • Advertisement
  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,639 ✭✭✭john kavanagh


    no problemo...:D and i certainly dont wish to make sean out to be a villian...even if every test he gave was clean i still wouldnt want his 'style' to beat someone like BJ's 'style'. purely a personal 'as a fan' point of view!

    i've been around high level sports/athletes for long enough to have long since had my naive views on steroids smashed...


Advertisement