In a week where MMA has been dominated with the drug testing failures of UFC 183 headliners Anderson Silva and Nick Diaz, it’s been revealed that another prominent name in the sport has failed his own drug test. World Series of Fighting welterweight and former UFC title challenger Jon Fitch has tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone. MMA Junkie’s Steven Marocco has the details:
The CSAC, which oversaw the Dec. 13 event at McClellan Conference Center in Sacramento, Calif., performed a CIR test on Fitch’s urine sample and confirmed the result. The commission declined to name the substance for which he was flagged. However, multiple sources close to the fighter indicated the test found elevated levels of testosterone.
The sources spoke on the condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to discuss such matters publicly.
It should be noted that this was administered prior to his eventual 1st round kneebar defeat to reigning WSOF champion Rousimar Palhares on December 13th. He faces a $2,500 fine and a nine-month suspension by the California State Athletic Commission, pending any appeals.
Fitch (26-7-1, 1 NC) has had a rough go of things since his controversial UFC release in 2013. He’s a tame 2-2 in World Series of Fighting, with both losses coming via tapout in a combined 2 minutes and 11 seconds. The 36-year-old has otherwise been in the news for (along with Cung Le and Nate Quarry) jointly filing a class-action lawsuit against the UFC.
When Anderson Silva tested positive for multiple anabolic steroids earlier this week, fans and pundits were quick to point out that he’d stated in an iterview in October 2014 that using steroids should mean “no more fights”. Along those lines, let’s take a look back at Fight Hub TV‘s interview with Fitch in May 2013, where he calls TRT “a joke” and says he’s willing to bet his testosterone levels are “just as good as a younger fighter.” (Transcription via MMA Mania)
“HA! TRT? It is a joke. This is devised to let guys who have used steroids in their past re-boost their testosterone since they abused their bodies when they were younger. The guys using it, the ones who use the excuse of, ‘I am too old to compete with young guys,’ – that’s bulls***! I am 35 years old, and I promise, I would and will bet money that my testosterone levels are just as good as a younger fighter. You know why? Because I have not wrecked my body with steroids, never used ANY type of PED and train healthy and properly to compete.”
Update at 6:24 PM ET: The original findings by MMA Junkie include the key dates for both the original drug test and the subsequent CIR testing.
According to a summary of test results provided by the CSAC, Fitch gave a urine sample on the day of the event, prior to the his fight, which was then forwarded to the UCLA Olympic Analytical Laboratory. The sample was received and analyzed by the lab on Dec. 16. On Jan. 15, the CSAC received a finding from the laboratory of an adverse finding. On Jan. 16, CSAC Executive Director Andy Foster ordered a CIR test on the sample. The test result was received Feb. 4 and also indicated an adverse result.
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