Performance-enhancing drugs have long been one of the most controversial topics in combat sports, and Georges St-Pierre has now shared his perspective based on firsthand experience.

St-Pierre built a legendary career without ever testing positive for banned substances. His reputation for discipline and integrity has only strengthened his standing among fans and analysts.
However, that doesn’t mean he’s been isolated from the reality of PED use in the sport.

Speaking on the Danny Jones Podcast, St-Pierre revealed that he has trained alongside athletes who openly admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs—and the impact, he says, was undeniable:

I never used performance-enhancing drugs, but I have trained many times with training partners…
And they’ve openly said it to me when they are on cycles.

I can tell you, it makes such a crazy big difference. It’s insane.

According to St-Pierre, the benefits go far beyond just strength or endurance.
He pushed back against the idea that success still comes down purely to the athlete:

Some guys say: “Oh, it’s me who threw the punch, not the product.”
That’s bullsh*t.

You might not have had the same reactions or awareness without it.

He emphasized that PEDs don’t just enhance physical attributes like muscle and stamina:

It helps for lifting or running, but it also helps for sports that are more technical, like combat sports.

The introduction of stricter testing programs, including the banning of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in 2014, marked a shift in how MMA approaches anti-doping.
Still, St-Pierre believes the issue hasn’t disappeared:

100% they’re still cheating today.
Where there will be money, there will always be corruption.

He explained that many athletes use substances designed to increase testosterone levels, improve recovery, and boost endurance:

More testosterone means more aggression, faster recovery, more muscle.
They’ll also take things to increase stamina… Sometimes a mix with EPO.

While St-Pierre acknowledged that anti-doping efforts have improved over time, particularly with organizations like USADA stepping in, he also pointed out how different things were earlier in his career:

When I started, it was like the Wild West.
To get caught, you had to be stupid.

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