Having the edge in any sport is going to be beneficial. There is some evidence to show that even the Ancient Greeks used herbs and animal parts to get an edge in the Olympics of yesteryear. Roman Gladiators used hallucinogens to try to fight fatigue and injury.
If there is one type of athlete that would represent Gladiators in the current world, it’s MMA athletes. Power, intensity, and grit are all things that perfectly describe these athletes.
Having that edge of a SARM could massively impact your career, so let’s look at the best SARMs for MMA.
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TL; DR: What are the Best SARMs for MMA?
- The best SARMs for MMA are LGD 4033, YK-11, and Andarine S4
- The best SARM for Female MMA Athletes is Cardarine
- The worst SARM for MMA is MK 677
- The best place to buy SARMs is here
What are SARMs?
SARMs are known as Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators and were originally designed to replace Anabolic Steroids in the medical world. Steroids are used to help patients who suffer from muscle loss, or anemia. For instance, Anadrol is still being provided to individuals who suffer from HIV/AIDS, they suffer from muscle loss and some A-Bombs sets them right back.
Unfortunately, adding Anadrol to your life brings just the loveliest side effects such as high blood pressure. Plus, Steroids bind with all the Androgen receptors in your body. Thus, SARMs were designed to replace Steroids by getting the same Androgenic (Muscle Building) effects but having fewer sides.
SARMs also bind to Androgen receptors within the body, however as the name suggests, they are selective. This means they bind to the receptors within the muscle and bones but refrain from binding to the receptors of the other parts of the body, such as the Prostate.
How do SARMs work?
SARMs act very similarly to Steroids, by binding to Androgen receptors. This androgen-receptor combination then binds to the DNA, which then could cause muscle gain or bodily changes in that particular area. Usually, when this process takes place with Testosterone (or other Steroids), any Androgen are fair game. This is where the problem comes in, as we don’t particularly want the Androgen receptors in the prostate or the reproductive system to be activated.
SARMs will provide similar benefits to Steroids (I’ll get into those later) but without any of the normal side effects we associate with Androgenic Hormones. We don’t expect to see hair loss, prostate growth, testicular shutdown, or body hair growth.
Benefits of SARMs for MMA
Having a greater amount of muscle mass and less fat mass will turn you into an absolute monster in the cage. To get the best out of the SARMs for MMA, we need to look at the offerings that are going to allow us to grow the most amount of lean tissue without causing massive side effects.
Muscular Hypertrophy
SARMs can force a DNA change in muscle tissue that results in muscular hypertrophy. Some people claim to gain 5 -7 lbs in only a few weeks, and the way SARMs do this is by increasing muscle protein synthesis. This will also allow you to run fewer calories when dieting, as muscle retention will be greater.
Fat Loss
SARMs will cause an increase in Basal Metabolic Rate, which will massively increase the amount of calories needed to just stay alive. Furthermore, the process of synthesizing proteins will require energy, and since SARMs increase muscle protein synthesis, you’ll naturally burn more calories. Having less body fat will make you significantly faster in the cage.
Improved Recovery
A big part of training for a fighting sport is massive amounts of training. You need to train for skill, performance as well as endurance. Recovery is of utmost importance, and SARMs have been shown to help with shortening recovery periods between training sessions.
Improved Strength
This is not a surprise, as we have an increase in muscle amount, we usually see a corresponding increase in strength as well. Supposable, some SARMs can increase the amount of Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) in the blood. This increases the available Dihydrogen Testosterone in the blood. Studies have shown that DHT, and not Testosterone, is better for force production.
What are the Best SARMs for MMA?
There are a massive variety of SARMs, some are better for fat loss, whilst some are better for muscle gain. That being said, for MMA the prime goals are going to be lean mass, cutting body fat as well as increasing strength dramatically.
Ligandrol – LGD 4033
Ligandrol 4033 (LGD 4033) is an extremely common SARM, especially among beginners. Ligandrol is known to have benefits regarding normal muscle gain and fat loss, which will aid in endurance and high-intensity cardiovascular activities. However, Ligandrol has a little secret up its sleeve.
Ligandrol has been shown to increase endurance. It can increase recovery. It can increase sex drive. It can increase your credit score. Ok maybe it can’t do that last one but it can do all the rest.
Originally formulated by Ligand Pharmaceuticals, it has now found popularity amongst men and women who rave about the muscle building, fat loss, and endurance effects.
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YK11 Myostine
YK-11 also known as Myostine, is regarded as being one of the most potent SARMs on the market.
It has a geometric structure and compound activity that makes it similar to anabolic steroids.
YK-11 is known to be a myostatin inhibitor. Myostatin is a protein that limits muscle growth and blocks testosterone levels.
YK-11 has been shown to be as effective as testosterone in enhancing lean muscle mass and strength. Those who have used this compound have reported some pretty impressive gains in terms of both muscle and strength over an 8-week cycle.
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- Because of the mechanism in which YK-11 works, it can be beneficial in a cut and a bulk.
- Can significantly increase strength and muscle growth.
- Could also increase bone density.
- Anecdotal evidence shows hair loss, and acne while using YK-11.
- Increased aggression.
- Decreased sex drive.
Andarine S4
Andarine was originally developed as a method to manage muscle loss due to disease. Its action is much like that of Testosterone, just without the negative side effects. Andarine can increase muscle mass and bone density; and as a nice bonus induces fat loss by decreasing lipoprotein lipase (LPL) levels in the body.
Andarine is thus a good SARM by not only limiting use to muscle-building phases but can also be used to aid a fat loss phase by helping the retention of muscle and increasing fat loss capabilities.
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Testolone Rad 140
Rad 140 is a SARM that should be used when you’re looking to increase muscle size, and yes you won’t necessarily hold a tone of water, but it won’t be as dry as others on this list. This SARM is for those who are looking to maybe jump a weight class, or really bulk up.
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Side Effects of SARMs
SARMs will have side effects. This is to be expected, you can’t have your cake and eat it too. You probably can’t have cake period because you have a weight cap! The side effects can be individual to certain SARMs, but there are a few we see very often.
Possible Liver Damage
Because most SARMs are taken orally, they need to go via the first-pass metabolism. The liver will metabolize these compounds, which is liver toxic. The continual hammering of orals will take a toll on the liver, and some studies have shown that SARMs can be liver toxic; usually dose dependant.
Testosterone Suppression
Yup, even though SARMs are technically not hormones, certain SARMs like S23 can shut down your natural LH and FSH levels (Luteinizing hormone and Follicle-stimulating hormone respectively). This will lead to lower Testosterone post-cycle.
Cholesterol Side Effects
It makes total sense that since exogenous Testosterone raises cholesterol, SARMs could potentially do it as well. And it does. While some SARMs can decrease bad cholesterol, most SARMs will increase cholesterol.
Are SARMs Legal?
If you compete in a sport that is WADA (World Anti-Doping Association), then yes. WADA bans it. Furthermore, SARMs can only be sold as Research Chemicals, and not for human consumption.
Conclusion
SARMs for MMA are something that can massively be utilized, as they can increase strength, decrease fat and massively improve recovery periods as well. The legality of them is something that you need to think about very carefully. Otherwise, as long as you manage the side effects, they can definitely help your MMA career.
Does the UFC test for Steroids?
Yes, the UFC is a tested sport.
Are SARMs Safe?
Relatively speaking, yes. But that really depends on a massive amount of variables, such as genetics, diet, training, and so many more. Do a tonne of research before using, and have your blood checked. So to use SARMs for MMA, you’ll have to keep your finger on your health at all times.
How long do SARMs stay in your system?
The answer is chemically determined. It depends on what SARM. Typically, 10 – 14 days but it depends. Some SARMs stay in your blood for longer. A great example is that the Steroid NPP stays in your system for 18 months.
Do SARMs affect your balls?
If you choose to use a SARM that shuts down your Testosterone production, yes it could absolutely affect your testicles.
