Pat Healy
Former Strikeforce lightweight Pat ‘Bam Bam’ Healy (29-16, 1NC) has failed a post fight drug test following his Octagon debut at UFC 159.
Healy tested positive for marijuana and has had his third round submission victory over Jim Miller changed to a “No Contest” by the New Jersey Athletic Control Board. The board also handed down Healy a 90-day suspension.
The hits don’t end there for ‘Bam Bam.’
Due to the failed drug test, the Ultimate Fighting Championship will not be awarding Healy his bonus check of $130,000 for the “Submission and Fight of the Night” bonuses.
A silver lining, at least for one UFC 159 participant, is Bryan Caraway who now earns $65,000 for the “Submission of the Night” bonus for his third round finish of Johnny Bedford.
On Tuesday, Healy released a statement on the positive test accepting full responsibility for his actions.
“I would like to start off by apologizing to the UFC, Jim Miller, the MMA community, it’s fans, my family, teammates and coaches for my positive testing for marijuana after my UFC 159 fight with Jim Miller.”
“I was fully aware of the UFC and State Commission’s drug policies and made poor life choices. I stand behind the UFC and the State Commission’s disciplinary actions. I support efforts to make MMA and sports a clean, safe and fair place to compete.
“First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge and take responsibility for my mistake. I made a very poor choice to socially use marijuana and now I must face the consequences of that choice. I can assure you that I will do everything the UFC and State Commission asks of me and beyond. I will also make a conscious effort to be a better role model within the MMA community.”
UFC 159 went down on April 27, 2013 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Healy and Miller opened the pay-per-view main card in an exciting three round match.