Makhachev cleared of wrongdoing by USADA after flagged test

UFC lightweight Islam Makhachev was cleared of any fault or negligence in connection with a flagged USADA drug test which found the banned substance meldonium in his system.

Makhachev was pulled from his fight with Drew Drober this past April at UFC on Fox 19.  Makhachev will not face any further penalty or suspension from the test.

USADA stated that “Makhachev underwent a radiofrequency ablation procedure for frequent ventricular arrhythmia in December of 2014.”  It was suggested by his doctor that Makhachev “incorporate meldonium, a non-prescription medication, into his follow-up treatment plan and as a preventative measure against a potential relapse.”  Makhachev took meldonium for four weeks which ended in December 2015.  Yet, it was still found in his sample in April 2016.

Via UFC-USADA web site:

USADA confirmed that Makhachev discontinued use of the substance prior to January 1, 2016, because he was aware that the substance would be added to the WADA Prohibited List and banned under the UFC Anti-Doping Program.

After a thorough review of the case, USADA concluded that the extremely low meldonium concentration in the athlete’s urine sample, combined with the athlete’s explanation of use, was consistent with ingestion prior to the substance being officially prohibited on January 1, 2016. Based on the latest guidance offered by WADA on June 30, 2016, for cases involving meldonium, Makhachev will not face a period of ineligibility for his positive test.

Meldonium was added to the banned list of substances in January 2016.  Notably, women’s tennis star, Maria Sharapova was found to have taken the banned substance.  She received a two-year suspension from the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

Payout Perspective:

This finding may help other athletes that have used meldonium in the past.  Unfortunately for Makhachev, despite doing everything correct, he lost out on his fight and the payout.