A dark cloud could be emerging over Brock Lesnar‘s triumphant return to the UFC.
The Associated Press’ Dan Gelston is reporting the UFC has been notified of a potential doping violation by Brock Lesnar prior to his UFC 200 fight against Mark Hunt. The sample in question was taken on June 28th, two weeks prior to his return date.
UFC notified by USDA of “potential Anti-Doping Policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collection” by Brock Lesnar.
— Dan Gelston (@APgelston) July 15, 2016
Lesnar defeated Mark Hunt via a unanimous decision in the wake of his main event return to MMA which has been in the making since 2011.
In response to the developments, the UFC has released the following statement:
The UFC organization was notified today that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has informed Brock Lesnar of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collection on June 28, 2016. USADA received the testing results from the June 28, 2016 sample collection from the WADA-accredited UCLA Olympic Analytical Laboratory on the evening of July 14, 2016.
”USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case. It is important to note that, under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, there is a full fair legal review process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed. The Nevada State Athletic Commission also retains jurisdiction over this matter as the sample collection was performed in close proximity to Lesnar’s bout at UFC 200 in Las Vegas.
“Consistent with all previous potential anti-doping violations, additional information will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward.”
Prior to his return, Brock Lesnar had a four-month drug testing period waived by the UFC to accommodate his quick and sudden return to the octagon. Ironically too this is the second possible doping allegation within the UFC that’s related itself to the main event of UFC 200. Jon Jones had his c0-main event against Daniel Cormier wiped out after Jones was suspected of doping days prior to the event.
Lesnar will have the opportunity to appeal any positive test.
