Magny reveals reason for withdrawal from Luque fight

UFC middleweight Neil Magny revealed that the reason that he had to pull out of his scheduled bout this Saturday was due to notification from USADA that he was being flagged for a potential violation.

Magny announced via social media that he received an email from USADA that an “out of competition” test on May 5^th revealed the banned substance of Di-Hydroxy-LGD-4033.  It is an investigational Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM) for treatment of conditions such as muscle wasting and osteoporosis.  Notably, University of Florida quarterback (at the time) Will Grier was suspended for testing positive for the substance.  NBA player (also UF alum) Joakim Noah was banned twenty games for testing positive for the use.

 

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As many of you know, I had to withdraw from my sceduled bout against Vicente Luque on Saturday, May 18th. I want to apologize to him, as I know how difficult it is to lose an opponent days out from a fight. Throughout my MMA career I have been very transparent. I am not afraid to admit when I am in the wrong. On Saturday, May 11, 2019, I recieved an email from USADA stating that I have failed an “out of competition drug test” due to the banned substance “Di-Hydroxy-LGD-4033”. I am fully cooperating with USADA to determine how this substance was found in the sample I provided them on May 5, 2019. I have always been an advocate for the strict drug testing in the UFC, even to the extent of opting for my collected samples to be used for research purposes by USADA. I know without a doubt that I have done everything according to the standards set by USADA. I have faith in USADA that this situation will resolved in a timely manner and that I will be cleared of any wrong doing. To all of my fans and supporters, thank you. I assure you that I have not let you down.

A post shared by Neil Magny (@neil_magny170) on May 14, 2019 at 3:23pm PDT

In the example of Noah, an article reporting on the finding claimed he had unintentional made a mistake and that certain dietary supplements may contain the banned substance.

Payout Perspective:

Due to the rule which precludes the announcement of flagged tests, it was not known why Magny pulled out of his co-main event fight against Vinente Luque.  Like other fighters in this position, Magny decided to make the announcement himself rather than let speculation continue over his status.  He is working with USADA so one would hope that if the finding is through a tainted supplement, he is given the benefit of the doubt like others before him.  Magny’s public reveal of this issue shows his transparency which makes him much more credible with USADA and the fans.