Next month’s UFC Fight Night 102 card took a hit this week as Zubaira Tukhugov has been removed from the event after the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) notified the fighter of a potential violation. MMA Junkie was the first to report the news.
The UFC issued a statement upon learning of a potential violation:
“USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC anti-doping policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case,” the UFC’s statement read. “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.”
Tukhugov was set to face Tiago Trator at the event, a replacement fighter is expected to be announced by the UFC in the coming days.
UFC Fight Night 102 takes place on Friday, December 9 from the Times Union Center in Albany, New York with Derrick Lewis and Shamil Abdurakhimov headlining.