Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Junior Dos Santos has been notified by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) of a potential violation of the drug test policy.
The failed drug test was an out of competition sample that was done on August 10, the substance that he potentially failed for has yet to be announced.
Due to the potential failed drug test, the Brazilian heavyweight has been pulled from his bout against Francis Ngannou at UFC 215.
UFC officials are seeking a replacement fighter to battle Ngannou, but nothing has been announced at this time.
The following statement was issued by the UFC:
The UFC organization was notified today that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has informed Junior Dos Santos of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collected on August 10, 2017. Because of the proximity to Dos Santos upcoming scheduled bout at UFC 215 in Edmonton, Canada against Francis Ngannou, Dos Santos has been removed from the card and the UFC is currently seeking a replacement.
USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case involving Dos Santos. Under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, there is a full and fair legal process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed. Additional information will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward.
UFC 215 takes place on Saturday, September 9 from Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with Demetrious Johnson and Ray Borg headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.
