Ben Rothwell knows a thing or two about performance enhancing drugs.

The UFC heavyweight contender was suspended nine months following his TKO victory over Brandon Vera at UFC 164 due to elevated levels of testosterone. Rothwell was undergoing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and had a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) to compete as such, but still tested high.

2-0 since then, Rothwell hasn't shown any ill effects of being off TRT, at least not in the win column. He's just not so sure the rest of the heavyweight division will be as fortunate.

"Before USADA, I would say 80 percent or more heavyweights were on performance-enhancing drugs," Rothwell told ESPN's Brett Okamoto. "Let's just look at the facts. Bigger athletes don't like to train the way we do. This sport is exhausting. Big guys come and go all the time because they hate the hard work. The ones who survive seem to think they need steroids and PEDs to cope with the training.

"And let's face it, being a big guy and ripped just doesn't happen naturally. Everybody wants that ripped look. For a guy to weigh 265 pounds and get that look everyone wants to see in a professional fighter, he needs help. I think that's another big reason PED use is high at heavyweight. All divisions have it, but it has been bad at heavyweight."

The UFC took a major step to clean up the sport in 2015 when it partnered with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). The random, out of competition drug tests are already proving their worth and Rothwell is taking notice of his colleagues.

"These guys are changing. They're not the same," Rothwell said. "You see the Alistair [Overeem] and Junior dos Santos fight [in December], even when they get on the scale, the way they fought -- there are a lot of changes. Travis Browne just struggled to beat a guy [Matt Mitrione] I trashed in two minutes. There are a lot of changes going on right now in this division and I'm excited to be a part of it."

Rothwell faces Josh Barnett Jan. 30 at UFC on Fox 18.

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TWEETS

It's off.

I will fight against you @stipemiocicufc anytime after my recovery. I think you are a great fire fighter. — Fabricio Werdum (@FabricioWerdum) January 26, 2016





Alright @FabricioWerdum let's make it for Memorial Day weekend. I'll even let you ride next to MY belt in the fire truck during the parade. — Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocicufc) January 26, 2016





@stipemiocicufc ok. Since I was a kid I've been dreaming about to have a firefighter's belt... pic.twitter.com/vUsokkWrCQ — Fabricio Werdum (@FabricioWerdum) January 26, 2016





I thought I was bad at talking shit. Jesus. https://t.co/5YjgGAvKVt — Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocicufc) January 26, 2016





Oh and for the record I didn't turn down shit. I took a championship fight on 2 weeks notice and it got cancelled. That's the end of it. — Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocicufc) January 26, 2016

Had me going.

Life is beautiful man! — Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) January 26, 2016

Another five-rounder.

Your new 5 round main event for @UFC 196 live and FREE on @FOXSports 1!! @danawhite https://t.co/NZE2jBBhwm — Johny Hendricks (@JohnyHendricks) January 26, 2016

Beef.

Sure love the way my @nike shoes and shorts fit! So many different styles & color options!!... https://t.co/kWgxk57YNh — Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) January 26, 2016

Never mind Steven seagal. I hear Anderson is training with Kylo Ren! "These are not the roids you are looking for..." — michael (@bisping) January 26, 2016

All joking aside silva was a great champion, and I know he'll provide a "stiff" challenge. #feb27 @UFCFightPass @ufc — michael (@bisping) January 26, 2016

After all anderosns trouble and his lack of medication these days. I hope he can still "rise" to the occasion on February 27th @UFCFightPass — michael (@bisping) January 26, 2016

Anderson's steriod defence: see no evil, hear no evil, speak no English. Is normal! — michael (@bisping) January 26, 2016

@chadmendes @travisbrowneMMA I have to agree with the fans here Chad. There was nothing dominant about Travis in our fight. You were losing. — Matt Mitrione (@mattmitrione) January 27, 2016

@Benaskren What are your thoughts on Johnny Hendricks's steakhouse failing? — MadeforFRB (@MadeforFRB) January 26, 2016

What did you expect??? Can't get high on your own supply. https://t.co/PdWEdBHB3m — Ben Askren (@Benaskren) January 26, 2016

GSP sighting.

Get well soon.

Stay ready so I u ain't gotta get ready. Feels good to punch without a boob on my arm lol Posted by Luke Rockhold on Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Face was still a bit too swollen surgery for broken orbital is Friday afternoon. Here's shoulder. Pain free all over pic.twitter.com/GTM9GYACQH — Matt Mitrione (@mattmitrione) January 26, 2016

Old buddies.

Good work today @JoeJitsu thanks for the rounds @LancePalmer and awesome class Professor @FireMarshall205 — LudwigMartialArtscom (@DUANEBANGCOM) January 27, 2016

No thanks. (Here's the non-slo-mo)

THAT... Is insane. The stuff of nightmares. Nothing scarier than a guy that can laugh off a full... https://t.co/myzBkEn0Sv — Joe Rogan (@joerogan) January 26, 2016





FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Jan. 26 2016)

Chad Laprise vs. Alan Patrick at UFC Fight Night: Hunt vs. Mir

Tony Ferguson vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC on FOX 19

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