Lesnar flagged for potential UFC anti-doping violation

USADA has notified the UFC that Brock Lesnar has been flagged for a potential violation of the company’s anti-doping policy.

The UFC posted its statement on the notification on Friday night.

“The UFC organization was notified today that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has informed Brock Lesnar of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collection on June 28, 2016. USADA received the testing results from the June 28, 2016 sample collection from the WADA-accredited UCLA Olympic Analytical Laboratory on the evening of July 14, 2016.

“USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case. It is important to note that, under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, there is a full fair legal review process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed. The Nevada State Athletic Commission also retains jurisdiction over this matter as the sample collection was performed in close proximity to Lesnar’s bout at UFC 200 in Las Vegas.

“Consistent with all previous potential anti-doping violations, additional information will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward.”

The flagged test calls into question the UFC waiving Lesnar’s notice to return to the UFC without the requisite 4-month written notice.  Under 5.7.1 of the UFC anti-doping policy, it’s within the UFC’s right to grant an exemption to a 4-month period in which USADA may test you.  The UFC clearly allowed an exemption  for Lesnar to make 200.

The WWE gave a short statement regarding Lesnar’s test.  As it has been throughout the Lesnar lead-up to UFC 200, it’s staying away from Lesnar’s participation in the UFC.  I’m sure they regret promoting his win last Monday.

Payout Perspective:

Just a little over one year into the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, we are discovering that the drug testing policy shows no favorites.  Not only did a flagged test take Jon Jones off of the biggest card of the year, Brock Lesnar was identified as possibly committing a violation as well.  The fact is that these drug tests could be expedited to ensure that all fighters are cleared of any out of competition violation prior to an event.  But, it has been decided that whatever testing process they go through was not rushed.

The failed test is a negative for the WWE as Lesnar is scheduled to be featured in next month’s WWE Summerslam.  Notably, two of the WWE’s big stars (Roman Reigns) have been flagged for a drug violation.

The violation likely forecloses Lesnar in the Octagon again unless he has an excuse for the flagged test.  For the UFC, it’s another blemish for the company.  However, Lesnar is not a mainstay for the company despite being the biggest draw on PPV.  Thus, the UFC and its new owners should withstand the bad PR in the coming days.