Nogueira to take legal action if suspended by USADA following positive drug test

Brazilian UFC light heavyweight Antonio Rogerio Nogueira plans to get lawyers involved if he is suspended by USADA after a recent positive drug test for a diuretic.

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira will get lawyers involved if the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) gives him a suspension.

The veteran UFC light heavyweight was last week flagged for a potential anti-doping violation by the UFC partner. USADA later confirmed Nogueira tested positive for a diuretic called hydrochlorothiazide. Because diuretics fall under the specified substance category of the UFC anti-doping program policy, the Brazilian is facing a maximum one-year sanction.

Nogueira immediately stated his innocence, and he recently said he will take legal action if he is found guilty and subsequently suspended.

“I’ll try to defend myself,” Nogueira told FloCombat. “A diuretic substance has been identified in my test, and I don’t use diuretics. I do a strict diet in advance [of my fights] to not have major problems with weight loss. I’m going to find a specialist lawyer to figure out what we’re going to do.”

Nogueira was pulled from a scheduled matchup against Jared Cannonier at Winnipeg’s UFC on FOX 26 in December as a result of the positive drug test. A maximum suspension of one year could lead to his retirement, as Nogueira would be 42 years old by the time he would be eligible to compete again.

Right now, however, Nogueira doesn’t want to focus on the potential consequences, since he has yet to be suspended.

“I believe in my innocence and I don’t want to think of the worst,” Nogueira said. “I’m sad to have the [next] fight canceled now. This situation is very difficult. Let’s wait for what is decided from now on.”

Nogueira (22-8) fought for popular promotions PRIDE FC and Affliction prior to his UFC career. A 10-fight veteran of the UFC, the twin brother of the retired Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is 1-3 in his last four Octagon outings. Most recently, he was stopped by Ryan Bader in November 2016.

Brazilian UFC light heavyweight Antonio Rogerio Nogueira plans to get lawyers involved if he is suspended by USADA after a recent positive drug test for a diuretic.

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira will get lawyers involved if the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) gives him a suspension.

The veteran UFC light heavyweight was last week flagged for a potential anti-doping violation by the UFC partner. USADA later confirmed Nogueira tested positive for a diuretic called hydrochlorothiazide. Because diuretics fall under the specified substance category of the UFC anti-doping program policy, the Brazilian is facing a maximum one-year sanction.

Nogueira immediately stated his innocence, and he recently said he will take legal action if he is found guilty and subsequently suspended.

“I’ll try to defend myself,” Nogueira told FloCombat. “A diuretic substance has been identified in my test, and I don’t use diuretics. I do a strict diet in advance [of my fights] to not have major problems with weight loss. I’m going to find a specialist lawyer to figure out what we’re going to do.”

Nogueira was pulled from a scheduled matchup against Jared Cannonier at Winnipeg’s UFC on FOX 26 in December as a result of the positive drug test. A maximum suspension of one year could lead to his retirement, as Nogueira would be 42 years old by the time he would be eligible to compete again.

Right now, however, Nogueira doesn’t want to focus on the potential consequences, since he has yet to be suspended.

“I believe in my innocence and I don’t want to think of the worst,” Nogueira said. “I’m sad to have the [next] fight canceled now. This situation is very difficult. Let’s wait for what is decided from now on.”

Nogueira (22-8) fought for popular promotions PRIDE FC and Affliction prior to his UFC career. A 10-fight veteran of the UFC, the twin brother of the retired Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is 1-3 in his last four Octagon outings. Most recently, he was stopped by Ryan Bader in November 2016.