Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight contender Walt Harris has been temporarily suspended by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) after the hard-hitting big man failed a drug test for his fight against Andrei Arlovski at UFC 232 last month.
According to MMA Fighting, Harris’ win over “The Pitbull” has yet-to-be overturned pending the results of additional testing. From the report:
Harris, 35, tested positive for a substance called LGD4033, which is in the family of selective androgen receptor modules (SARMs), like the more common Ostarine. LGD 4033 can be used to treat osteoporosis and is currently designated as an investigational new drug in the United States. Harris’ urine sample was collected in competition by CSAC — not UFC anti-doping partner USADA — and analyzed at the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited lab at UCLA.
Walt’s win over Arovlski was his second in a row, moving his record to 5-6 inside the Octagon. According to the report, “The Big Ticket” and his team are adamant they have found the root of the problem, which boils down to a contaminated supplement.
It’s important to note that Harris has not failed a United States Anti Drug Testing Agency (USADA) – administered drug test according to UFC vice president of athlete health and performance Jeff Novitzky. Furthermore, CSAC will be responsible for handing out any and all penalties and fines as a result of the test.
According to the report, Harris and his team are still gathering as much information as possible, and intended to send out the alleged tainted supplement for further testing.
For complete UFC 232 results, including play-by-play, click here.