UFC flyweight Ian McCall is officially in the clear. The 32-year-old has been granted a retroactive therapeutic use exemption (TUE) by United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) for two IVs given to him on Feb. 10 prior to UFC 208.
McCall was expected to fight Jarred Brooks at UFC 208 but was pulled from the card the day of the fight due to illness. The flyweight was given two IVs following the weigh ins the day before after vomiting and failing to keep down water. IVs are only administered when it is medically necessary, which was the case with McCall prior to UFC 208.
USADA released an official statement on their decision to grant “Uncle Creepy” a retroactive TUE earlier today (Fri., June 9, 2017):
“After a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the potential violation, which included the retroactive TUE application process, USADA determined that the athlete had a diagnosed acute medical condition for which the use of an intravenous infusion is consistent with the standard of care,” the statement read. “Because McCall’s TUE application was granted retroactively, his use of a prohibited method will not result in an anti-doping policy violation.”
While McCall has made no plans of re-entering the Octagon anytime soon, this clears the way for him to do so. The 32-year-old is still one of the best flyweights in the world and a guy who could quickly ascend the divisional ladder towards a title shot with champion Demetrious Johnson whenever he decides to return.
Until then, “Uncle Creepy” must do everything in his power to find a way to cut down to 125 pounds in a healthy and consistent manner.