UFC Championship Contender Fails Drug Test, Suspended For A Year; UFC And Fighter Comment

Another big blow for the UFC today, as former UFC Lightweight Title challenger Gilbert Melendez was the latest star to test positive for performance enhancing drugs. This comes after names such as Anderson Silva, Nick Diaz, Jon Jones and Hector Lombard have failed tests in the past 8 months.

After dropping a decision to Eddie Alvarez at UFC 188, Melendez failed his post-fight drug test for "exogenous origin of testosterone metabolites." This means that testosterone metabolites were there from an outside source. Melendez has beens suspended for one year, and removed from his UFC Fight Night 71 bout with Al Iaquinta.

The UFC and Melendez released the following statement on UFC.com this afternoon:

"Following his bout at UFC 188 in Mexico City on June 13, UFC lightweight Gilbert Melendez tested positive for exogenous origin of testosterone metabolites. 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. As a result of the positive test, Melendez has accepted a one-year suspension, effective from the date of the bout, for violating the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy and Promotional Agreement with Zuffa, LLC.

"Regrettably, I tested positive in my post fight urine sample for UFC 188," Melendez said. "I did not inject anything, but I am responsible and accept the consequences for the results. I will make sure I am better educated about the products I use and their implications. Going forward I will ensure no products I use will contain banned substances. I am sincerely apologetic to everyone who supports me, including my fans, sponsors and the UFC. I value your trust and respect and will do everything in my power to keep it."

Melendez will no longer compete as scheduled on July 15. UFC officials are currently seeking a new opponent for Al Iaquinta, who was scheduled to face Melendez."