UFC fans will not get the opportunity to watch BJ Penn square off against Cole Miller at UFC 199 in Los Angeles on June 4.
According to a statement on the UFC’s official website, Penn was suspended because of a “potential Anti-Doping Policy violation.”
Here is the extended statement the UFC released Monday:
The UFC organization was notified today that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) informed BJ Penn of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation. Penn disclosed the usage of a prohibited method – the use of an IV in excess of 50 ML in a six-hour period – during a March 25, 2016, out-of-competition sample collection. In accordance with the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, Penn has received a provisional suspension, and has been removed from his scheduled bout against Cole Miller on June 4 in Los Angeles.
The UFC also noted it is attempting to find a replacement fighter to go against Miller at UFC 199.
Shaun Al-Shatti of MMAFighting.com explained that using IVs over 50 milliliters in a six-hour period is not allowed by World Anti-Doping Agency guidelines, unless the IV is received at a hospital, during surgery or as part of a clinical investigation.
Penn’s return was one of the primary storylines for UFC 199. The 37-year-old veteran sports a 16-10-2 record in his career and won the UFC lightweight and welterweight titles during his impressive tenure, but he retired after losing to Frankie Edgar in July 2014. Edgar registered a technical knockout against Penn in the fight.
Al-Shatti called Penn a “legend” and noted the UFC Hall of Famer initially announced his plans to return in February. However, that triumphant return will be put on hold following Monday’s news.
UFC 199 will still have two headliner title fights even though Penn’s return to the Octagon will no longer be part of the spectacle. Luke Rockhold will attempt to defend the middleweight championship against challenger Michael Bisping, while bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz will face Urijah Faber.
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