There has been a clear link between CBD and MMA ever since Nate Diaz openly vaped CBD after his loss to Conor McGregor at UFC 202 in 2016. It was an act of defiance, given that the non-intoxicating cannabinoid was banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) at the time.
It was entirely possible that Diaz could have been fined or even suspended. Instead, he faced no consequences, and the conversation surrounding the usage of CBD for MMA fighters began in earnest. WADA subsequently removed cannabidiol from its list of banned substances, leaving fighters free to use it.
However, why would an MMA fighter buy CBD oil in the first place? This article investigates three reasons why cannabidiol is good for mixed martial artists.
1 – Pain Management
There’s no question that MMA fighters put their bodies through the mill when training for bouts. Then there is the small matter of competing against fellow warriors who can inflict serious physical damage. One study from 2009 found that professional fighters sustained three times as many injuries as their amateur counterparts.
Unfortunately, there are countless tales of combat sports athletes succumbing to drug addiction after years of painkiller consumption. In 2016, Josh Samman was found dead in his bedroom. The likely cause was a drug overdose, with a hospital drug screen allegedly showing cocaine, Xanax, and marijuana in his system.
The addiction problems associated with prescription opioids are well documented. However, CBD for MMA fighters makes sense because it isn’t addictive and has few side effects.
Cannabidiol activates a series of receptors in the spinal cord and brain that help dull the pain signal before it completes its journey to the brain. It also has significant anti-inflammatory properties. CBD could reduce inflammation at the injury site, thus decreasing the volume of pain signals sent to the brain.
CBD can work as a painkiller with no risk of addiction in basic terms. It’s easy to see why MMA fighters are becoming interested in using it!
2 – Recovery
Training and fighting take an immense physical and mental toll on any fighter. Competitors need to recover as much as possible before beginning a new training cycle. Unfortunately, many fighters return to the cage long before they’re ready. This leads to an accumulation of injuries that ultimately catch up and cause serious long-term issues.
Exercising results in microscopic tears in muscle tissue fibres. The body triggers inflammatory responses in the affected area, so you may feel sore for days after a gruelling workout. A certain level of inflammation is positive as it brings blood, nutrients, and oxygen to the site. However, excessive inflammation reduces recovery speed.
There is plenty of evidence that CBD has potent anti-inflammatory effects. As a result, CBD for MMA fighters could help them recover faster, ensuring they are ready to compete.
3 – Sleep
Getting adequate sleep is another crucial aspect of any fighter’s recovery. Indeed, consistently getting a good night’s sleep can help boost performance in anyone! Sadly, many MMA fighters struggle to sleep due to the severe pain they experience. Other aspects of their lifestyle, such as cutting weight before bouts, also contribute to sleep disorders.
There is research indicating the benefits of CBD for sleep. One study found that the cannabinoid supported GABA, a neurotransmitter in the brain that promotes relaxation by slowing down neuronal activity. This process also helps the user feel calm and relaxed as anxiety is reduced.
Therefore, CBD for MMA fighters could enable them to get restful sleep, aiding recovery and enhancing performance.
Final Thoughts on Why CBD is Good for MMA Fighters
The fact that CBD is no longer on the WADA list of banned substances is fantastic news for MMA fighters. They can benefit from the non-intoxicating, non-addictive cannabinoid found in the hemp plant.
There are many consumption methods, so each person will have to decide which one suits them the best. As far as many MMA fighters are concerned, vaping is one of the most alluring options because it ensures they feel the effects rapidly. However, CBD oil consumed sublingually can also result in noticeable effects fairly quickly. Moreover, this method of consumption has fewer risks attached than vaping.