T.J. Dillashaw drug ban: champion surrenders UFC crown after adverse test result following Cejudo loss
- Dillashaw was beaten in 32 seconds by Cejudo before positive drug result
- Dillashaw relinquishes bantamweight crown
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The 33-year-old American was stopped by flyweight champion Henry Cejudo in 32 seconds at UFC Brooklyn, where Dillashaw submitted the sample found in violation, according to the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).
“To all my fans, I wanted to be the first one to let you know that USADA and the NYSAC (New York State Athletic Commission) have informed me of an adverse finding in a test taken for my last fight,” Dillashaw said in an Instagram statement.
“While words can’t even begin to express how disappointed I am at this time, please know that I’m working with my team to understand what has occurred and how to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.
“Out of fairness and respect to the rest of my division, I’ve informed the UFC that I’ll be voluntarily relinquishing my title while I deal with this matter.”
The New York commission fined Dillashaw US$10,000 and suspended him for one year for “violations relating to the use of a prohibited substance.”
USADA followed with a statement confirming Dillashaw’s positive test.-
“In light of Mr Dillashaw’s social media post this morning, we can confirm that an in-competition test conducted by USADA on January 18, 2019 resulted in an adverse analytical finding,” USADA said.
“In this instance, we are able to confirm the finding due to Mr Dillashaw’s public statement. The presumption of innocence under the rules is a vital part of an effective anti-doping programme and it’s only fair that Mr Dillashaw be allowed due process before any conclusions are drawn.”
