If any fighters on the UFC roster had any thoughts about using performance-enhancing drugs in non-sanctioned countries like England, they better think twice. The UFC’s independent drug testing policy nabbed Chute Box talent Vinicius Quieroz after his loss to Rob Broughton at UFC 120 back on October 16th. MMAJunkie.com has the scoop:
Following a UFC 120 preliminary card loss to Rob Broughton, Brazilian heavyweight Vinicius Quieroz (5-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC) tested positive for the banned substance Stanozolol.
MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) today confirmed the finding with the UFC’s Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Marc Ratner.
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Main event fighters Michael Bisping and Yoshihiro Akiyama were both screened, as were six fighters selected on a random basis. Quieroz was the only fighter to test positive.
According to the UFC’s U.K. president, Marshall Zelaznik, Quieroz forfeited an undisclosed discretionary bonus from the UFC and has also been released from the promotion. The UFC will also relay the findings to the Nevada State Athletic Commission, which could affect Quieroz’s ability to gain a license to fight in the U.S.
The interesting part about this news is the harshness, even when the promotion itself catches a fighter. As with any positive, the UFC did its diligence in forwarding the information onto the NSAC and hurting Quieroz’s chances of gaining other bouts without first sitting on suspension. But they also fined Quieroz some of his purse money and released him from the promotion. It probably didn’t help that he lost as well.
That should serve as a significant warning to any fighters heading into the UFC that even international events will be scrutinized by the UFC”s own drug policing.