MANILA, Philippines – Things have gone from bad to worse for Brock Lesnar as the former UFC heavyweight titleholder failed a second doping test in a sample taken on the night of his victory over Mark Hunt at UFC 200.
It was initially revealed last week that Lesnar had been notified of a potential anti-doping policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collected by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) on June 28. The results were not processed by the UCLA Olympic Analytical Laboratory until July 14, or 5 days after the conclusion of UFC 200.
According to UFC’s latest statement, Lesnar’s sample tested positive for the same substance on both occasions.
However, the unknown the substance for which Lesnar tested positive remains unknown as USADA is not authorized to release this information until the athlete discusses it in public.
“The UFC organization was notified today that the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has informed Brock Lesnar that his in-competition sample collection from July 9, 2016, at UFC 200, has tested positive for the same substance as his previously announced out-of-competition collection on June 28, 2016,” the press release stated.
“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 statement added.
The world’s premier mixed martial arts organization waived the 4-month notice normally required by USADA of an athlete coming out of retirement, to allow Lesnar to compete at UFC 200, but he was screened on a regular basis once his comeback was announced.
The 39-year-old native of Webster, South Dakota, is facing a potential two-year suspension, but he will be given the right to file an appeal before any sanctions are determined.
After the first anti-doping violation was publicly confirmed, Lesnar issued a short statement to AP, claiming, “We will get to the bottom of this.” – Rappler.com