While apologizing to his fans, family and teammates, an emotional Lyoto Machida explained that he was unaware that 7-Keto-DHEA had been banned by USADA.
Shortly after confessing that he indeed took a banned substance before his rematch with Dan Henderson on Saturday, an emotional Lyoto Machida went on Instagram to apologize and admit his mistake. Although the former UFC light heavyweight champion fully took responsibility for his actions, he did point out he was unaware that the substance 7-Keto, which contains the hormone DHEA, was illegal per USADA rules.
“I’m here to tell you that I was caught by surprise by this news. It has been very difficult for me. I’ve trained a lot for this fight. I’ve dedicated a lot of with all my teammates. I want to tell you that I really didn’t know about this substance, so I listed it on my declaration form amongst everything else I was taking. This substance was recently banned in 2016, so I take the blame for not knowing that. I’d like to say I’m really sorry and apologize to my fans, teammates and my family. I always try to play by the book, but unfortunately, this happened.”
7-keto-DHEA is listed as a banned anabolic agent on their official website, and it’s been forbidden since before the London Olympics in 2012.
Lyoto Machida was expected to rematch Dan Henderson at UFC on Fox 19, on April 16, but now the bout has been scrapped from the card, which is headlined by light heavyweight veterans Glover Teixeira and Rashad Evans.