Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight Gilbert Melendez tested positive for "exogenous origin of testosterone metabolites" following his UFC 188 loss to Eddie Alvarez last month in Mexico City, and has been suspended for one year.
As a result, the former Strikeforce 155-pound champion was pulled from his upcoming UFC Fight Night 71 bout against Al Iaquinta, which was scheduled to take place on FOX Sports 1 a week from Wednesday night (July 15, 2015) in San Diego, California.
"El Nino" issued a statement to UFC.com:
"Regrettably, I tested positive in my post fight urine sample for UFC 188. I did not inject anything, but I am responsible and accept the consequences for the results. I will make sure I am better educated about the products I use and their implications. Going forward, I will ensure no products I use will contain banned substances. I am sincerely apologetic to everyone who supports me, including my fans, sponsors and the UFC. I value your trust and respect and will do everything in my power to keep it."
In case you were wondering, I double checked, it was not Giblert Melendez.
This failed drug test is a mighty blow to the already-reeling Melendez (22-5), who signed a hefty long-term contract back in 2014. The 33-year-old slugger, however, has yet to meet expectations, losing three of his first four contests inside the Octagon.