Current UFC heavyweight and former Strikeforce champion Alistair Overeem released a statement today through his management company, Authentic Sports Management, regarding a March 27 drug test administered by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) that came back positive for an elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio:
“To my friends and fans,
I am deeply saddened to announce that on Friday, April 20, I respectfully withdrew from the May 26 event so that I can request a continuance until my situation with the Nevada State Athletic Commission is resolved.
I cannot express how sorry I am to the Commission, Junior Dos Santos, the fans, the owners and employees of the UFC, my friends and family and anyone else who this has affected.
I absolutely do not believe in, nor do I use performance-enhancing drugs. I am a clean fighter and I will do whatever it takes to prove this to everyone.
Prior to the UFC 146 press conference in March, I aggravated an old rib injury on my left side. My doctor prescribed, and I accepted, an anti-inflammatory medication that was mixed with testosterone. I was completely unaware that testosterone was one of the ingredients in the medication. Although I was unaware, I do realize it is my job to know what I am putting into my body.
I respect the Nevada Commissioners and Executive Director Keith Kizer and what they are doing to keep the sport of mixed martial arts regulated and safe for athletes. I look forward to working with them in the days and weeks ahead.
Friends and fans, I ask for your patience as I work through this matter. Please support me. I promise to return to the Octagon soon.”
Overeem is coming off a first round TKO win over Brock Lesnar at UFC 141 back in December. His next bout was to be a title shot at UFC 146 against current heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos, but was removed from the bout after the positive drug test. Taking Overeem’s place against Dos Santos will be former champion Frank Mir.
Overeem is scheduled to appear before the NSAC Tuesday in Las Vegas. ProMMAnow.com (www.prommanow.com) will be on scene at the meeting and we are planning to stream the proceedings live here on the site beginning at approximately 9 a.m. PT (12 p.m. ET).