(Eddie wasn’t angry the moment he found out Gil was juicing, just dissapointed. via Getty)
Every time I hear a UFC fighter claiming that 90% of the roster is on one kind of PED or another, I go into something of an emergency rationalization mode. Suddenly and almost subconsciously, I find myself running around my apartment like a beagle after a bath, hands clasped over my ears and screaming “It can’t be that high! Surely it’s something closer to 75%!!” Then I nuke up a Hot Pocket and take a Forget Me Now to keep my sanity intact.
Unfortunately for delusionally optimistic MMA fans like us here at CagePotato (lol!), the results that these new UFC drug-testing policies have garnered seem to align with the increasingly popular opinion that everyone in the sport is on PED’s and it’s simply a matter of time until they slip up. Case in point: Gilbert Melendez (aka Giblert aka “Le Nino”), the last guy you’d expect to test positive for anything, who conversely just tested positive for something.
Statements from Gilbert and the UFC are after the jump. Â
Yes, according to BloodyElbow, Melendez tested positive for an “exogenous origin of testosterone metabolites” following his split decision loss to Eddie Alvarez at UFC 188 and has been suspended for a year as a result. The news was announced by the UFC via a press release below:
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.Â
“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.â€
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.
Well, at least Gil accepted responsibility for it. On a related note, I think “I did not inject anything” should become MMA’s version of “I never inhaled.”
As mentioned in the release, Al Iaquinta has now lost his second dance partner (after Bobby Green) for his Fight Night 71 co-headliner, and has since been pulled from the event altogether. He is not pleased, as you might imagine.
“I want to break something. I want to slam my head on the desk again. I don’t know. I’m just disappointed. I can’t describe it, man,” said Iaquinta on yesterday’s MMA Hour.
“I was ready to go. It was a perfect fight for me stylistically. I brought in guys who really had a good style and I’ve been doing great with the sparring, so it’s just, I don’t know, I’m just frustrated right now, man. I’m real frustrated.”
We’re frustrated too, Al. But while we’re waiting to hear when and where you’ll fight next, let’s just celebrate the fact that another cheater has been outed with that timeless Queen tune. Kick it, boys!