Another fighter has been flagged for a potential violation UFC’s new, strict anti-doping policy and as a result, a main event for an upcoming show is currently in serious jeopardy.
Tim Means, who is scheduled to headline UFC Fight Night 83 against Donald Cerrone on February 21st in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is officially out of the fight and according to a statement released by the UFC, a replacement opponent for Cerrone will be announced shortly.
Below is UFC’s official statement regarding the situation, as well as Means’ reaction to the news:
The UFC organization was notified today that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has informed Tim Means of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collection.
USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case. It is important to note that, under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, there is a full and fair review process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed. However, because Means was scheduled to compete against Donald Cerrone on February 21 in Pittsburgh, there is insufficient time for a full review and proper promotion before the scheduled bout. As a result, UFC will announce shortly a replacement opponent for Cerrone on the UFC Fight Night card in Pittsburgh.
Additional information will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward.
Fucccck that came out of left field! @usantidoping
— tim means (@MeansTim) February 4, 2016
UFC Fight Night 83 is scheduled for February 21st at the CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.