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.
Damn! Imagine if that had happened next month. Wouldn’t that be 4 months on the shelf and would probably be a career ender