Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez

Former Strikeforce lightweight champion and current number five ranked 155-pounder in the UFC, Gilbert Melendez, has tested positive for banned substances. Melendez failed his UFC 188 post-fight urinalysis after dropping a split decision to Eddie Alvarez last month in Mexico.

The UFC has released the following statement which includes a quote from Melendez:

Following his bout at UFC 188 in Mexico City on June 13, UFC lightweight Gilbert Melendez tested positive for exogenous origin of testosterone metabolites. The UFC has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents by our athletes. As a result of the positive test, Melendez has accepted a one-year suspension, effective from the date of the bout, for violating the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy and Promotional Agreement with Zuffa, LLC.

“Regrettably, I tested positive in my post fight urine sample for UFC 188,” Melendez said. “I did not inject anything, but I am responsible and accept the consequences for the results. I will make sure I am better educated about the products I use and their implications. Going forward I will ensure no products I use will contain banned substances. I am sincerely apologetic to everyone who supports me, including my fans, sponsors and the UFC. I value your trust and respect and will do everything in my power to keep it.”

Melendez will no longer compete as scheduled on July 15. UFC officials are currently seeking a new opponent for Al Iaquinta, who was scheduled to face Melendez.

One thought on “Gilbert Melendez suspended one year after failing UFC 188 drug test”
  1. Damn! Imagine if that had happened next month. Wouldn’t that be 4 months on the shelf and would probably be a career ender

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