Fabrizio Werdum has had a hard time finding opponents lately. In spite of many provocations between him and Junior Dos Santos he was initially set to rematch Cain Velasquez only for that to follow through.

He recomposed and the match against Ben Rothwell was set for UFC 211. Rothwell is 4 years younger than Werdum and currently ranks 5th in the division. Rothwell’s 4 victory spree was interrupted last April when Junior Dos Santos won an unanimous decision over him.

However he just got pinged by the US anti doping agency –

“The UFC organization was formally notified today that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has informed Ben Rothwell of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collection on February 6, 2017.

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.

Consistent with all previous potential anti-doping violations, additional information or UFC statements will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward.”

Rothwell spoke out about the notice of doping violation:

“With the recent news received from USADA, I would like to take this time to let everyone know I have been under the care of a physician and trying to overcome a medical illness.

“I would appreciate the chance to show that I have not cheated nor did I intend to cheat. Please hold your opinions of me until all the facts are out. I appreciate everyone’s support as I go through the process with USADA.”

Now it’s looking like Werdum will be facing Velasquez at either UFC 211 or UFC 212 given the rumors confirmed by his manager:

Per Fabricio Werdum’s manager @AliAbdelaziz00, Werdum told UFC he’s willing to face Cain Velasquez at UFC 211 or 212. Thinks it makes sense.

— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) March 9, 2017