Yet another UFC fighter has been flagged for a potential United States Anti-Doping Agency violation.
Welterweight Li Jingliang (11-4) was notified of a potential USADA violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample taken on May 18, two months before his fight on The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale.
Jingliang tested positive for clenbuterol, which is used often as a decongestant and bronchodilator. There have been warning in relation to clenbuterol-tainted meat in China, where Jingliang is from.
The UFC sent Fightful.com the following statement:
The UFC organization was notified by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) that it has informed Li Jingliang of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collection on May 18, 2016. USADA also informed the UFC that it initiated an investigation into the source of the prohibited substance detected in Jingliang’s sample prior to notifying him of the potential violation. Because of this investigation, USADA has not issued a provisional suspension against Jingliang at this time. 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, a full and fair legal review process is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed. The Nevada State Athletic Commission has also retained jurisdiction over this matter because Jingliang’s sample was collected prior to his participation on The Ultimate Fighter Finale card on July 8, 2016, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Consistent with all previous potential anti-doping violations, additional information will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward.
No hearing has yet been set for Jingliang.
