Middleweight Rousimar Palhares and light heavyweight Joey Beltran have both been suspended for positive drug tests following UFC on FX 6 in Australia. Palhares tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone and Beltran test positive for Nandrolone.
The UFC released a statement on Thursday,
“Rousimar Palhares tested positive for elevated testosterone and Joey Beltran tested positive for nandrolone, following their respective bouts at UFC on FX 6 in Australia. The UFC organization has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance-enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents. Both athletes have agreed to serve a nine-month suspension retroactive to December 14. They must pass a drug test upon completion of the suspension before receiving clearance to compete again.”
Palhares lost his second fight in a row, as Hector Lombard knocked him out in the first-round. Because Palhares lost, his fight result will not be overturned.
Beltran came away with an upset win over Croatia’s Igor Pokrajac, giving him his first UFC win at light-heavyweight. That win is likely to be overturned to a no-contest.
Beltran has already taken to Twitter to deny doing wrong on purpose.
“I can say without a shadow of a doubt I did not inject Nandrolone into my body. I am sorry to my family and friends for the shame this…”
“Brought to any of you. I promise soon the whole story will be told and I will go through whatever is necessary to find the reason for this..”
“Positive test. I am at fault for taking a supplement or perhaps combination of something that caused my test result. My team and I will …”
“Seek the truth. I am sorry once again and truly apologize to the people that matter the most to me.- Joey Beltran”
