Olympic wrestler and MMA veteran Ben Askren didn’t hold back during a recent live broadcast, openly accusing wrestler Georgio Poullas of PED use while providing commentary for RAF 6.
The commentary came during a heated wrestling match between Poullas and UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan. As tensions escalated on the mat, Askren was brought in to offer his analysis of the developing situation. What viewers got instead was an unfiltered assessment of both the match and one competitor’s physical appearance.
“I think he’s pretty tired and so I think he’s trying to get a little extra rest right now because those st**oids don’t help you. They don’t help you go for long,” Askren stated during the broadcast, directly referencing Poullas while the action unfolded.
The hosts appeared momentarily caught off guard by Askren’s bluntness, with one responding, “Just tell us how you really feel,” before noting viewers were witnessing “the unfiltered Ben Askren.”
Earlier in his commentary, Askren offered a harsh evaluation of Poullas’s wrestling credentials. “I think Georgio is a very average wrestler. If you look at his college record it’s not very good and I think he’s afraid to get exposed,” Askren explained. He went on to suggest that Poullas’s strategy centered on provoking his opponent rather than relying on technical skill.
“I think he thinks his best way to win is to get Arman mad and get him disqualified. That’s what I think his strategy is, which hey it’s kind of working. He’s on his way right now. Then maybe Georgio can still claim he’s a good wrestler,” Askren added.
The accusations come despite Poullas maintaining his natural status in a pre-event interview with Parry Punch. When asked directly if he was natural, Poullas responded affirmatively.
“Yeah, I do get a lot of accusations of people asking me if I’m natty and that to me is great to hear. You know, at the end of the day, a hundred percent,” he claimed.
However, observers have noted physical markers often associated with PED use, including facial characteristics and muscular development in specific areas like the trapezius and deltoid muscles.
While RAF states on their website that they test for PEDs, questions remain about the actual implementation of such testing given the significant costs involved in comprehensive screening programs.
The match itself concluded with Tsarukyan earning the victory, though the result was overshadowed by a post-match altercation. After the final whistle, Tsarukyan tackled Poullas and began landing punches on the ground.
The situation spiraled as members from both teams became involved, requiring security personnel to separate the competitors and remove them from the venue.
Poullas received treatment at a local hospital following the incident. He later spoke out about the melee, stating he was outnumbered but protected by his family members who were present.
Tsarukyan addressed the controversy on social media with a defiant message: “F*ck around and find out.”
