Ed Herman came up on the short end of the stick in his UFC 150 battle with Jake Shields back in August. However, since the decision loss, Shields failed a post-fight drug test which ruled the fight a no-contest.
Herman spoke with Steph Daniels of Bloodyelbow.com about that fight and the fact that he believes Shields actually tested positive for performance enhancers.
“I think Colorado is one of the HIPAA privacy states where they weren’t allowed to release what he tested positive for. I’m pretty sure it was for some type of performance enhancing substance, just by looking at his physique going in to the fight. He looked pretty puffed up and exhibited the common signs. As an athlete, you can recognize those signs. I can’t guarantee it, but I’m pretty positive that it was for some kind of performance enhancing drug. If it really was for marijuana, it’s a lot easier for a guy to come right out and say, ‘I smoked a joint, sorry.’ You get a little less criticism that way than if you cheated and used a performance enhancer.
I noticed a significant drop in my standing in the rankings on several sites after the Shields fight. I feel that if he wasn’t cheating, and you know, taking the Superman stuff, it would have been a different fight. Even though it was turned into a no contest, my rank has still come down. I didn’t get my hand raised. I didn’t get that win bonus check, which is a huge difference for us. I feel that loss financially and emotionally. It sucks.”
Herman will take the next step in his career on January 19, as he moves over to fight Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza at the final Strikeforce event.
