UFC Title Contender Suspended, Dana White Reveals Big Signing, Cyborg Fighting In Rousey's Division

By Wrestling Inc. Staff

- Ali Bagautinov, who fought Demetrious Johnson for the UFC flyweight title in June, has been suspended for a year after failing a post-fight drug test. Bagautinov lost to Johnson via decision.

Bagautinov was found to have EPO, which is erythropoietin, in his blood work after the fight. The drug, considered a performance enhancer, is used to control the production of red blood cells.

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"Results received by this office from the June 2 tests on Mr. Bagautinov were positive for erythropoietin, or EPO ? a substance banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency," BCAC Commissioner Dave Maedel told MMAjunkie.com. "These results were not available prior to the UFC 174 event due to lab processing times. Mr. Bagautinov lost his bid for the flyweight title to Demetrious Johnson. I have suspended Mr. Bagautinov's licence to compete in British Columbia for a period of one year."

The UFC backs the decision of the commission, releasing a statement in support:

"UFC 174 competitor Ali Bagautinov has been suspended by the British Columbia Athletic Commission for testing positive for erythropoietin (EPO). He was also informed that his positive test violated the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy and Promotional Agreement with Zuffa, LLC. The UFC has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance-enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents by our athletes. Bagautinov will serve a one-year suspension and must pass a drug test at the conclusion of his suspension before receiving clearance to compete in the UFC again."

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- MMAJunkie.com reports that former Strikeforce featherweight champion Cristiane "Cyborg" Justino will be making her 135 pound debut for Invicta FC this December against an opponent to be determined. Cyborg, who currently holds the promotion's featherweight strap, will be heading to Thailand later this month to work on her striking skills and drop the weight. Cyborg's manager, George Prajin, noted that one of the goals for the move is to get Cyborg a title shot against UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey.

- Holly Holm has signed with the UFC, bringing her impressive boxing resume to the bantamweight division. Holm, 7-0 in MMA, was an 18-time boxing champion in three different weight classes.

UFC president Dana White announced the signing, posting the picture below on Twitter of himself with the contract and a shot of Holm, adding, "Welcome to the UFC."

Holm isn't expected to compete until later this year, as she suffered a broken arm in her recently win for Legacy FC over Juliana Werner. That performance earned her the Legacy FC bantamweight title.

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