UFC Fight Night 71 just became considerably less interesting.
Gilbert Melendez has been suspended for a year and forced to pull out of his upcoming bout with Al Iaquinta after failing a post-fight drug test.
The former Strikeforce lightweight champion tested positive for “exogenous origin of testosterone metabolites” following his loss to Eddie Alvarez at UFC 188.
The UFC broke the news through a statement on their official website.
The UFC has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents by our athletes. As a result of the positive test, Melendez has accepted a one-year suspension, effective from the date of the bout, for violating the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy and Promotional Agreement with Zuffa, LLC.
“Regrettably, I tested positive in my post fight urine sample for UFC 188,” Melendez said. “I did not inject anything, but I am responsible and accept the consequences for the results. I will make sure I am better educated about the products I use and their implications. Going forward I will ensure no products I use will contain banned substances. I am sincerely apologetic to everyone who supports me, including my fans, sponsors and the UFC. I value your trust and respect and will do everything in my power to keep it.”
Melendez will no longer compete as scheduled on July 15. UFC officials are currently seeking a new opponent for Al Iaquinta, who was scheduled to face Melendez.
Melendez joins a long list of fighters who have recently been popped for PEDs including Anderson Silva, Hector Lombard, Chael Sonnen and Mike King aka the guy who Cathal Pendred choked unconscious at UFC Dublin.
Hat-tip to UFC
