Usman Nurmagomedov, the reigning Bellator lightweight champion, has received a six-month suspension in California and a $50,000 fine after testing positive for a banned substance, as confirmed by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC).
Due to the failed drug test, Usman Nurmagomedov has been removed from the Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix. Despite the setback, his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, clarified that Nurmagomedov will retain his title. Furthermore, the victory in the Bellator 300 tournament against Brent Primus has been nullified and changed to a no-contest.
Nurmagomedov explained that the substance in question was part of a prescribed medication from a physician. Unfortunately, he neglected to seek a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) before the positive drug test. Even though Nurmagomedov later applied for a TUE, the commission rejected his request.
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Nurmagomedov has additionally committed to participating in the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) testing program, covering the costs for a duration of 12 months. As part of this agreement, he must undergo a minimum of three comprehensive drug screenings in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) standards.
Should Nurmagomedov receive a positive test result for a banned substance in California or any other jurisdiction acknowledged by the Association of Boxing Commissions, he will be subject to a four-year suspension.
Amidst extensive scrutiny and criticism from the MMA community, Nurmagomedov took to Instagram to address the situation, offering clarity through a detailed statement. He explained that the drugs found in his test were prescribed to him by a doctor. He also apologized for not informing the athletic commission before taking the medications.
MMA fighters react to Usman Nurmagomedov failing a drug test
Usman Nurmagomedov is one of the most popular lightweight fighters in the world right now, as he is being looked at as the next UFC lightweight champion who will potentially take forward his cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov’s legacy. However, his failing a drug test has stirred a bit of controversy, as several MMA fighters have reacted to it.
Former Bellator fighter Dillon Danis has always been a critic of the Dagestani fighters. He once again took a dig at the fighters from that part of the world by writing, “Everyone from Dagestan is on performance-enhancing drugs”. Brazilian MMA star Patricky Freire, who lost to Usman in 2022, took to X and expressed, “They are who we thought they were”.
Everyone from Dagestan is on performance enhancing drugs. https://t.co/M7XTGmqeeJ
— Dillon Danis (@dillondanis) November 11, 2023
Another fighter who lost to Nurmagomedov and expressed his disappointment was Brent Primus, who wrote a big message on social media. “Damn cheaters… I’ve been in the gym training and staying in shape! I’m ready to keep this train going and advance in the @bellatormma lightweight Grand Prix”, he wrote. UFC fighter Johnny Walker also reacted to this as he commented “Cheater” on an Instagram post.
A lot of this is being linked to the Dagestani camp, as people are accusing the whole camp of being PEDs. UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev was also slapped with a provisional suspension by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) back in 2016, but the suspension was lifted within a few days.