Francisco Rivera is not going to be able to fight until he’s almost the age of 40 after an independent arbitrator ruled against the fighter.
USADA had initially notified Rivera of a potential violation in August of 2016 as a drug test revealed that clenbuterol was found in the competitor’s sample.
Rivera had claimed that it was from tainted meat that was eaten during a vacation in Mexico, but USADA claimed in a press release that the fighter was unable to prove any evidence to support the claim.
An investigation by USADA had also determined that Rivera had falsified evidence and information to support his claim about the tainted meat.
It was due to the falsification of evidence that thew independent arbitrator ruled against the fighter and then issued the most severe punishment available, which was a four year suspension.
Besides USADA, a separate punishment could be coming from Georgia Athletic & Entertainment Commission, since Rivera was scheduled to fight in the state at UFC 201 before the USADA violation.
The commission can issue a separate fine and suspension from that of the independent arbitrator, but it is unknown at this time as to what kind of additional punishment the fighter can face.
