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
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 LGD-4033 is a selective androgenic receptor modulator (SARM) that was developed by Ligand Pharmaceuticals. It is primarily a mass-building SARM that was originally developed to treat muscle-wasting conditions.
Ligandrol is one of the best SARMs for increasing lean mass and it activates the muscle regeneration process after a workout. This SARM also increases both energy and strength.
Ligandrol can be stacked with a cutting SARM for weight loss in order to preserve muscle size while you are stripping off body fat.
In terms of weight loss, Ligandrol is able to attach to fat receptors and stimulate fat loss. It will boost the metabolism for faster calorie burning.
Ligandrol LGD-4033 Overview
โญ๏ธ Top Benefits: Muscle growth, strength gain, fat loss
๐งช Form: Liquid, Powder
โ๏ธ Cycle Length: 6 – 10 weeks
๐ฐ Average Cost: $59.99
โค๏ธโ๐ฉน Side Effects: Aggression, acne, liver and kidney issues, and hypertension
โข๏ธ Dangers: Hepatotoxicity, Renal toxicity
๐ Best Stack: MK-677 / Cardarine / RAD 140
PCT Required: Yes
๐งโโ๏ธ๐งโโ๏ธMen/Women: Men
๐ See Results
โก๏ธ Go to the Full review
- Better recovery
- Improved fat loss
- Massive muscle gains
- Aggression
- Androgenic sides
- Liver and kidney toxicity
- Hypertension
YK 11
YK11 is a synthetic steroid categorized as a Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM), engineered to selectively engage androgen receptors in skeletal muscles and bones, closely emulating the anabolic effects of testosterone with minimized systemic side effects associated with conventional anabolic steroids. This specificity is what renders YK11 particularly intriguing for both therapeutic applications and bodybuilding endeavors.
A primary advantage of YK11 lies in its ability to substantially enhance muscle mass and strength by promoting more efficacious muscle cell growth than endogenous testosterone, facilitating users in achieving fitness objectives more swiftly. Furthermore, YK11 is postulated to positively impact bone health by augmenting bone density, offering potential benefits in the prevention of fractures and osteoporosis.
Distinctively, YK11‘s action mechanism encompasses the inhibition of myostatin, a growth differentiation factor that plays a critical role in regulating muscle mass. Inhibition of myostatin by YK11 could theoretically allow individuals to transcend their genetic limits in muscle development. This characteristic of YK11 is of particular interest to the scientific community and fitness enthusiasts aiming to maximize muscular gains.
Notwithstanding its promising attributes, it is paramount to acknowledge that YK11, akin to all SARMs, is still in the investigational phase, and its comprehensive safety profile remains undetermined. Prospective users should exercise caution, mindful of the potential for adverse effects and the current absence of regulatory endorsement for human application.
YK 11 Overview
โญ๏ธ Top Benefits: Enhanced muscle mass and strength, bone density improvement, potential for myostatin inhibition allowing surpassing genetic muscle growth limits
๐งช Form: Oral tablets
โ๏ธ Cycle Length: 8 Weeks
๐ฐ Average Cost: $64.99
โค๏ธโ๐ฉน Side Effects: Potential for liver toxicity, changes in cholesterol levels, hormonal imbalances
โข๏ธ Dangers: Lack of long-term safety data, potential for significant endocrine disruption
๐ Best Stack: Cardarine / LGD 4033 / RAD 140
PCT Required: Debate exists; some suggest PCT to mitigate endocrine system impacts, though not universally agreed upon
๐งโโ๏ธ๐งโโ๏ธ Men/Women: Primarily used by men due to the risk of virilization in women; women should proceed with caution if considering use
โก๏ธ Go to the Full review
- Estrogen regulation
- Hormonal Balance in PCT
- Prevention of Gynecomastia
- Joint Pain
- Fatigue
- Bone Density Concerns
Safest SARMs for Strength: S4 Andarine
Andarine, known by its developmental code names GTx-007 and S-4, emerges as a noteworthy investigational selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) meticulously crafted by GTX, Inc.
Positioned for potential applications in treating muscle wasting, osteoporosis, and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), Andarine stands out in the realm of Safest SARMs.
Unlike traditional anabolic steroids, Andarine boasts an anabolic activity on par with testosterone while avoiding the suppression of luteinizing hormone (LH) or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
This distinctive feature sets Andarine apart, allowing it to foster increased muscle and bone mass without the typical drawbacks associated with anabolics, making it a standout in the category of Safest SARMS.
In its role as a cutting agent, Andarine showcases its effectiveness in fat loss by actively reducing lipoprotein lipase (LPL) levels and curbing water retention.
Beyond its contribution to fat loss, Andarine serves as a reliable guardian of hard-earned muscle mass during cutting phases, offering the potential for the acquisition of lean muscle mass.
S4 Andarine Overview
โญ๏ธ Top Benefits: Muscle growth, strength gain, fat loss
๐งช Form: Liquid, Powder
โ๏ธ Cycle Length: 6 – 8 weeks
๐ฐ Average Cost: $59.99
โค๏ธโ๐ฉน Side Effects: Vision issues, headaches, and liver toxicity
โข๏ธ Dangers: Hepatotoxicity
๐ Best Stack: MK-677 / Cardarine / RAD 140
PCT Required: Yes
๐งโโ๏ธ๐งโโ๏ธMen/Women: Men
๐ See Results
โก๏ธ Go to the Full review
- Better recovery
- Improved fat loss
- Massive muscle gains
- Headaches
- Liver toxicity
- Vision issues
Testolone RAD 140
Testolone Rad 140 is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) that was created for the purpose of treating breast cancer and muscle wasting in postmenopausal women. It effectively enhances the bodyโs natural production of testosterone and also increases lean body mass.
Since it attaches selectively to androgen receptors, it does not carry the sort of side effects that come with anabolic steroids.
Testolone primarily increases lean muscle tissue by enhancing testosterone and human growth hormone as well as boosting other anabolic effects following intense weight training. It may also be able to increase training energy, endurance, and speed while working out.
Testolone is considered to be one of the best SARMs for muscle-building effects but it has also been shown to be effective in fat burning as well.
An initial study conducted on monkeys showed that the administration of Testolone increased their body weight by 10 percent after 28 days of use. Another similar study showed that the negative effects on the prostate and seminal vesicles were significantly reduced by taking Testolone along with synthetic testosterone.
Testolone RAD140 Overview
โญ๏ธ Top Benefits: Muscle growth
๐งช Form: Liquid, Powder
โ๏ธ Cycle Length: 6 – 8 weeks
๐ฐ Average Cost: $64.99
โค๏ธโ๐ฉน Side Effects: Gyno and Androgenic Sides
โข๏ธ Dangers: Do not abuse
๐ Best Stack: MK-677 / Cardarine / Testolone
๐ก PCT Required: Yes
โค Men/Women: Men
๐ See Results
โก๏ธ Go to the Full review
- A massive increase in lean muscle mass
- Potential fat loss
- Acne
- Other androgenic side effects
- Gyno
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.
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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.
I expected to see Ostarine as it’s very well studied, known to be low on sides, is great for lean mass and does not retain water. MMA and wrestling requires a lot of cutting and most of the SARMs you’ve recommended are known for wet gains and excessive bloating.
Wet gains and bloating come from an inability to manage your own estrogen. But you make a good point.