The past couple of days have been a turbulent ride of emotions for many in the MMA community. Earlier today, UFC officials announced former Heavyweight Champion, Fabricio Werdum potentially violated the promotions Anti-Doping Policy.
The timing of the news comes at a poor time for Werdum. Since losing the title in 2016, his record sits at 3-2, having recently lost to Alexander Volkov at UFC Fight Night 127. The loss derailed a two-fight win streak the former champion cultivated with wins over Walt Harris and Marcin Tybura, respectively. He was also rumored to the headline the upcoming UFC Russia event.
Fabricio Werdum Potential Anti-Doping Policy Violation
In accordance with USADA, the UFC’s independent drug testing agency, the UFC was notified of the potential Anti-Doping Policy violation today. Werdum was also informed of the potential violation which stemmed from an out-of-competition sample collected on April 25th, 2018.
Since the implementation of USADA testing back in 2015, Werdum provided samples for 27 tests. His most recent test is the first which resulted in a potential policy violation.
Currently, USADA, UFC, and Werdum await testing of the ‘B’ sample before sanctions are applied. Once the testing of the ‘B’ is complete, Werdum has the option of contesting the findings of USADA. In such a case, an appeal is seen by an independent arbitrator.
Russia
Just yesterday, reports circled pinning the former Heavyweight title holder to the recently announced UFC Russia event. According to the reports, Werdum and Aleksei Olienik were in deep consideration for the night’s main event.
Unfortunately, the bout will not come to fruition as Werdum is staring down, at the very least, a short suspension.
UFC London
Werdum most recently fought at the UFC London event earlier this year. There he took on rising Russian Heavyweight contender, Alexander Volkov. It took just past the one minute mark of the fourth round, Volkov stopped the former UFC Heavyweight champion by punches.
Before his recent loss to Volkov, the former champion looked to aggressively earn a chance to reclaim the Heavyweight title. His record sat at 3-1, which included a molecularly thin majority decision loss to Alistair Overeem at UFC 213.
At the moment, the news added a significantly larger portion of time between now and another chance at the promotions Heavyweight title for Werdum.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
