As noted, Chad Mendes was flagged by USADA for a potential Anti-Doping violation, and even later admitted himself that he was guilty of a “big mistake” and would be “paying for it.”
While all of this was known, what wasn’t known was what Mendes, a former multiple time UFC title contender, was popped for.
Until now.
According to veteran combat sports insider Larry Pope, the Team Alpha Male standout and highly-regarded UFC featherweight contender popped for growth hormone.
Pope wrote the following on Twitter regarding Mendes’ USADA violating:
“Source tells me that Chad Mendes popped for GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 6) and that he took it in cream form, not by injection. GHRP-6 is more of an anti-aging agent when taken alone. Of very little if any value to an athlete unless combined with other substances. However, I’m told that he only failed for that one substance and that nothing else was found. Taken alone it’s of little value to athletes seeking any performance or strength enhancement so it is a little puzzling as to why he would take just that unless he got bad advice or it was inadvertent, for example.”
Mendes (17-4), last fought inside the Octagon back in December, losing via knockout to top-ranked UFC featherweight contender and former UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar.