The scheduled return of Daniel Rodriguez against Santiago Ponzinibbio has hit a roadblock. The reason is Daniel Rodriguez, popularly known as D-Rod, has tested positive for a banned substance and now cannot fight on September 16th.

Rodriguez has been notified by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) that an out-of-competition sample he provided has tested positive for an extremely low level of Ostarine, a banned substance.

D-Rod (17-4 MMA, 7-3 UFC), who was coming off two back-to-back losses, was expecting to deliver an action-packed performance on his return to the octagon. But now the fighter has to wait to get back to work in the octagon. In his recent IG post, D-Rod has addressed the issue.

Daniel Rodriguez clarifies the situation

The fighter took to Instagram and addressed the issue. In a post on IG, the welterweight fighter gave a clarification regarding the current situation to the MMA community.

“First and foremost, I want to clarify I did not intentionally use Ostarine, nor have I ever knowingly used any prohibited substance in my career.” D-Rod addressed the situation while underlining his commitment to a clean, drug-free MMA career.

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In his clarification, the fighter has highlighted that he is known for his natural approach to training and his emphasis on caring for his body in the most organic ways possible. D-Rod added that he rarely takes supplements and prides himself on his consistent record of negative tests throughout his UFC career.

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“From my first fight until today, I have had a negative test every single time, not one slip-up, not one positive test until today,” he adds while sharing details of the whole situation. D-Rod highlighted that the levels of Ostarine found in the test provided no performance-enhancing benefit, and the positive test was likely the result of a supplement contaminant.

Concluding the whole situation, D-Rod stated that he looks forward to finding a definitive explanation for his low-level positive test. D-Rod added that he is ready to fully cooperate with the USADA.

This is not the first time, nor will be the last, that a fighter has tested positive for a banned substance they took because of a tainted supplement. In the past, many athletes have found themselves involved in similar controversies due to tainted supplements. One of which includes the former UFC star, Yoel Romero.

Yoel Romero getting suspended

Back in 2016, Romero, who is known for his jacked physique, encountered a similar situation. The fighter tested positive for Ibutamoren, a growth hormone. Because of this, Romero was suspended for six months by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

Despite the allegations, Romero firmly denied any intentional use of the substance. He claimed innocence throughout the process. Romero didn’t take it lightly and sued the company. In a further twist, an investigation revealed that Ibutamoren was present in a supplement Romero had taken. And in 2019, Romero, then UFC fighter, emerged victorious in the lawsuit. The resolution saw Romero awarded a substantial $27.45 million in settlement.

While the situation concerning Rodriguez is still unresolved, it underscores that the life of a fighter requires not only physical strength but also a vigilant approach to the substances they consume. What are your thoughts on the entire situation? Comment below.

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