As if Mark Hunt needed more ammunition. Top-ranked Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight contender Josh Barnett (No. 6) has been flagged for a potential anti-doping violation by United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) for an out-of-competition test conducted on Dec. 9, 2016.
UFC released the following statement:
The UFC organization was formally notified today that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has informed Josh Barnett of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collection on December 9, 2016. USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case. It is important to note that, under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, there is a full fair legal review process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed. Consistent with all previous potential anti-doping violations, additional information or UFC statements will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward.
This isn’t the first time Barnett -- who was last seen choking out Andrei Arlovski at UFC Fight Night 93 in September — finds himself in hot water over a (potential) failed drug test. Back in 2001, Barnett was forced to forfeit his UFC Heavyweight title after tested positive for a banned substance following his win over Randy Couture at UFC 36. Prior to that, he was issued a warning by Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) after he failed another drug test for his fight at UFC 34.
And in 2009, "Warmaster" tested positive for steroids prior to his fight against Fedor Emelianenko, which was set to go down under the now-defunct Affliction banner, which ultimately forced promoters to cancel the event. Of course, Barnett will have his due process and a chance to prove his case -- he is innocent until proven guilty.
MMAmania.com will provide updates on this developing story as soon as possible.