UFC Middleweight Handed 7 Months’ Suspension by USADA Following Four Failed Tests

Published 02/02/2021, 11:20 AM EST

UFC middleweight Abu Azaitar is the latest fighter to be banned by USADA following failed drug tests. Azaitar has been handed a suspension of seven months following the violation of the Therapeutic Use Exemption laws set by the anti-doping agency.

“Azaitar, 34, tested positive for tamoxifen and/or tamoxifen metabolite 3-hydroxy-4-methoxy-tamoxifen as the result of urine samples collected on August 25, 2020, September 4, 2020, September 9, 2020, and September 17, 2020. Tamoxifen is a Specified Substance in the class of Hormone and Metabolic Modulators and is prohibited at all times under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy and UFC Prohibited List,” read USADA’s official statement.

Article continues below this ad

USADA notified the Moroccan fighter about the positive drug test. Azaitar subsequently provided proof of the doctor prescribing him the tamoxifen due to medication issues. Tamoxifen is an estrogen receptor modulator used for treating certain types of cancer in females and other medical conditions in men.

But his violation of rules meant that he had to face a minimum of seven months’ suspension. The ban began from his first failed test date of August 25 and will end on March 25. Azaitar will be eligible to compete after that. His ban got reduced due to some special circumstances.

Despite signing almost 3 years ago with the UFC, the former WSOF fighter Azaitar has competed only once in the promotion. He picked up a unanimous decision win over Vitor Miranda in 2018. He hasn’t competed since. He has been booked twice but withdrew both times.

Article continues below this ad

Abu Azaitar had his brother cut by the UFC recently

Ottman Azaitar, younger brother of Abu, was set to face Matt Frevola at UFC 257. But Ottman and his camp snuck people to the fighter hotel in Abu Dhabi and breached COVID protocols. He was subsequently cut by the promotion a day before the pay-per-view.

Abu was also present in Ottman’s camp, but his involvement in the incident hasn’t been clarified. The middleweight is expected to make an Octagon return this year after being inactive for almost 3 years.

Article continues below this ad

What do you make of Abu Azaitar’s failed drug test? How do you rate USADA’s works in cleaning up the UFC?

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Apratim Banerjee is an MMA author for EssentiallySports and has been writing professionally for almost a year. Before his current gig, Apratim worked as a UFC writer for Sportskeeda. A long-time MMA fan, Apratim has developed a critical eye for the sport that has helped him transfer his vast knowledge to his copies and give hardcore and casual readers a detailed insight into the fights and fighters.

UFC Middleweight Handed 7 Months’ Suspension by USADA Following Four Failed Tests

Abu Azaitar had his brother cut by the UFC recently

Trending

“He Cannot Push Me” – Islam Makhachev Exposed 6-Time Wrestling Champ Jordan Burroughs in Front of Daniel Cormier Last Year

Violently Threatening Conor McGregor Takes a Bad Turn for 50 Cent as UFC World Condemns Rapper After Beef Resurfaces

“Bubble Gut From High HGH Abuse” – Joe Rogan’s Dire Health Concern Flares Up as Fans Worry About UFC Commentator

Is Ian Garry vs. Colby Covington Confirmed at Conor McGregor’s UFC 303 Card? Fans React After Leaked Rumors

UFC 304 Manchester Card’s Disappointing News Leaves Pros & Fans Upset Over Rumored Tom Aspinall, Leon Edwards’ Event