TUF Brazil 2 veteran Viscardi Andrade tested positive for banned substances in an out-of-competition drug test conducted by USADA, two weeks before his unanimous decision win over Richard Walsh in Brisbane, Australia.
Yet another UFC fighter has been notified of a potential USADA violation. This time around, The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 2 veteran, Viscardi Andrade, who tested positive for banned substances in an out-of-competition drug test conducted on March 7.
Here’s the official statement released by the UFC on Tuesday:
“The UFC organization was notified today that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has informed Viscardi Andrade of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collection on March 7, 2016. The sample was collected from Andrade in Brazil and analyzed at the WADA accredited laboratory in Rio de Janeiro, and recently reported to USADA as containing a prohibited substance.
USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case involving Andrade. It is important to note that, under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, there is a full and fair legal process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed, including any ruling on Andrade’s victory over Richard Walsh in Brisbane, Australia on March 19, 2016.
Additional information will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward.”
In his last outing, Andrade defeated Richard Walsh by unanimous decision, bringing his overall UFC record to 3-1, with another decision win over Gasan Umalatov and a TKO over Bristol Marunde. His sole loss came in 2014, when Nico Musoke defeated him by unanimous decision.
The 31-year-old’s potential violation comes days after Frank Mir was flagged for a potential failure in his loss to Mark Hunt, which headlined UFC Brisbane.
Andrade released this statement, denying any wrongdoing. (via MMA Fighting)
On Tuesday morning, April 12, I was surprised by a notification from USADA informing me of a possible violation in the sample collected on March 7, before my last UFC fight, a win over Rich Walsh.
According to USADA, an institution I respect and know about the credibility, I violated the agency’s anti-doping policy. However, I deny, with all my character, ingesting any substance that violates their terms. Because of that, I requested the B sample to be tested and totally believe in my acquittal in this imbroglio.
During my training camp for the fight, I did the same procedures I did in 10 years of my career. Same food, supplementation, everything approved in several anti-doping exams, many of them already as a UFC fighter, and followed by professional doctors and nutritionists.
More than the UFC welterweight belt, today, I wish this entire situation to be cleared so I can come back as soon as possible to do what I love, which is fighting, and continue my professional career.
I’m sorry for what happened, but all I have to do is wait for the B sample result. I thank my fans, friends and family who sent me messages of support and comfort and trust in my innocence since this news came out. You will see me back in action again soon. Thank you.