UFC: Kelvin Gastelum accepts ‘full responsibility’ after nine-month Usada suspension for marijuana positive
- Gastelum says he is ‘already moving forward’ and ‘on to my next opponent’ after completing drug treatment programme
- In-competition sample from Darren Till fight at UFC 244 tests positive for THC metabolites over maximum limit
UFC middleweight contender Kelvin Gastelum has been suspended for nine months after a second Usada violation for marijuana.
Gastelum, who has not fought since a split decision loss to Darren Till at UFC 244 in November, received a five-month reduction in his sanction after completing a drug treatment programme.
“As you all can tell by the news, I have accepted full responsibility and have already moved forward,” Gastelum tweeted on Monday night after Usada released a statement. “I am on to my next opponent.”
Gastelum’s in-competition sample from November 3, 2019 in New York, the day after he fought Till, tested positive for THC metabolites over the maximum limit.
Usada’s statement read: “Gastelum, 28, tested positive for 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol (Carboxy-THC) over the Decision Limit of 180 ng/mL, a urinary metabolite of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive constituent of cannabis, marijuana, and/or hashish as the result of a sample collected in-competition at UFC 244 New York, New York on November 3, 2019. Cannabis, marijuana, and hashish are Specified Substances in the class of Cannabinoids and prohibited in-competition under the UFC Prohibited List.