Tukhugov flagged for potential USADA violation, pulled from UFC Fight Night 102

USADA’s latest victim is UFC featherweight Zubaira Tukhugov.

USADA’s latest victim is Zubaira Tukhugov.

The UFC featherweight has been flagged by USADA, the UFC’s anti-doping partner, for a potential violation of its anti-doping policy stemming from two tests administered by USADA: one on Sept. 7 and the other on Oct. 29. The UFC announced the news Monday in a statement.

Tukhugov has been provisionally suspended while USADA’s conducts a thorough investigation. The Russian will have an opportunity to appeal USADA’s decision should he receive a sanction.

Tukhugov has also been pulled from his fight against Tiago Trator, which was scheduled for UFC Fight Night 102 in Albany, New York on Dec. 9. The organization is currently seeking a replacement.

“USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case,” the statement read. “It is important to note that, under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, there is a full fair legal review process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed. Consistent with all previous potential anti-doping violations, additional information or UFC statements will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward.”

Tukhugov (18-4) is coming off a split decision loss to Renato Carneiro at UFC 198 this past May. The setback snapped a nine-fight winning streak, which included wins over Phillipe Nover and Douglas Silva de Andrade. The 25-year-old is 3-1 inside the Octagon.

USADA’s latest victim is UFC featherweight Zubaira Tukhugov.

USADA’s latest victim is Zubaira Tukhugov.

The UFC featherweight has been flagged by USADA, the UFC’s anti-doping partner, for a potential violation of its anti-doping policy stemming from two tests administered by USADA: one on Sept. 7 and the other on Oct. 29. The UFC announced the news Monday in a statement.

Tukhugov has been provisionally suspended while USADA’s conducts a thorough investigation. The Russian will have an opportunity to appeal USADA’s decision should he receive a sanction.

Tukhugov has also been pulled from his fight against Tiago Trator, which was scheduled for UFC Fight Night 102 in Albany, New York on Dec. 9. The organization is currently seeking a replacement.

“USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case,” the statement read. “It is important to note that, under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, there is a full fair legal review process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed. Consistent with all previous potential anti-doping violations, additional information or UFC statements will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward.”

Tukhugov (18-4) is coming off a split decision loss to Renato Carneiro at UFC 198 this past May. The setback snapped a nine-fight winning streak, which included wins over Phillipe Nover and Douglas Silva de Andrade. The 25-year-old is 3-1 inside the Octagon.