UFC heavyweight accepts 15 month USADA suspension

UFC heavyweight Abdul-Kerim Edilov will serve a 15-month sanction for an anti-doping policy violation after a positive drug test on January 7, 2016.

Edilov tested positive for meldonium following an out-of-competition urine test.  Per the USADA release, “USADA accepted Edilov’s explanation that the meldonium was a prescribed medication he was taking in a therapeutic dose under the care of a physician and without the intent to enhance his athletic performance.”  Despite this fact, USADA concluded that since Edilov’s use continued after the official prohibition on January 1, 2016, he required a Therapeutic Use Exemption in order to avoid violating the UFC Anti-Doping Policy.

The suspension is retroactive from the date of the failed test of January 7, 2016.

Payout Perspective:

Edilov’s suspension is interesting when you consider meldonium is relatively new on the WADA prohibited list and there are issues with its detection and use.  Notably, UFC lightweight Islam Makhachev was cleared of any fault or negligence in connection with a test that showed meldonium in his system.  However, the key is that Makhachev appears to have ceased use prior to January 2016.