Antonio Rogerio Nogueira was recently notified of a potential violation by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and was subsequently pulled from UFC On Fox 26.
If USADA decides to suspend the Brazilian in any way, then they could be in store for a legal battle.
"I'll try to defend myself," Nogueira told Flo Combat. “A diuretic substance has been identified in my test, and I don’t use diuretics. I do a strict diet in advance [of my fights] to not have major problems with weight loss. I'm going to find a specialist lawyer to figure out what we're going to do."
This is the first possible violation for Nogueira, which means he could face up to a year suspension and a few other financial penalties.
Even though he believes he is innocent, the Brazilian wants to wait for USADA to announce any possible punishments before he makes his next move.
"I believe in my innocence and I don’t want to think of the worst," Nogueira said. “I'm sad to have the [next] fight canceled now. This situation is very difficult. Let's wait for what is decided from now on."
USADA officials have yet to issue a response to the possible legal action threatened by Nogueira.
