Derrick Lewis, the UFC fighter, has recently faced some confusion over his comments about peptides. In a recent podcast, Lewis claimed that the UFC had provided him with peptides as part of his training regimen for UFC 324. However, this statement has since been retracted, with Lewis admitting that he 'misspoke'.
The controversy began when Lewis stated, 'UFC provided me with some great peptides, I’ve been taking it every day, and I’ve been feeling a difference.' This statement raised questions, as nearly all peptides are considered banned substances under the UFC's anti-doping program. The UFC's anti-doping czar, Jeff Novitsky, denied the promotion gave him peptides, instead saying Derrick got 'injectable compounds that are 3rd party tested and certified as allowed at all times.'
It has since been revealed that Lewis was referring to supplements from a company called REGNR8RX, which are not peptides but rather 'beneficial non-pharmaceutical formulations'. REGNR8RX stressed that all their products are TruShield-Certified to ensure no WADA-prohibited substances are included. The company's statement read, 'All REGNR8RX formulations are composed only of molecules which occur naturally in the human body, specifically excluding ANY designed or engineered substances, including experimental 'peptides.'
Lewis has since apologized for any confusion, stating, 'All I was trying to communicate was that I have never felt better in my career and products provided by REGNR8RX have made a major difference in my camp.' He admitted that he misspoke, likely due to his knowledge of REGNR8RX's sponsorship of the UFC and their direct work with many elite UFC fighters. This clarification should put to rest any concerns that Lewis might have been using illegal drugs, and he is now set to compete in his UFC 324 fight against Waldo Cortes-Acosta this weekend.
