UFC lightweight Gilbert Melendez has tested positive for exogenous origin of testosterone metabolites, and has been suspended for a year, starting from his Eddie Alvarez fight at UFC 188 on June 13, 2015 in Mexico.
Melendez gets off easy as his failed test falls a few days short of the new USADA rules which start from July 1. He would have surely received a 2 year suspension.
Melendez in a UFC.com statement said:
“Regrettably, I tested positive in my post fight urine sample for UFC 188. 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.”
The fight with Al Iaquinta on July 15 is canceled. Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone has offered himself as a replacement.
