UFC heavyweight James Mulheron will be eligible to return to MMA competition this November.
James Mulheron will be out of action for the better part of 2018.
The UFC heavyweight accepted a one-year suspension from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) Tuesday, the UFC anti-doping partner announced.
Mulheron tested positive for clomiphene and its metabolite, hydroxyclomiphene, in a out-of-competition urine test administered by USADA on Nov. 10, 2017. The potential violation was announced Nov. 17.
Both substances fall under the Specified Substances category in the UFC anti-doping policy; one year is the standard maximum sanction for first-time offenders. Notable fighters who have been suspended for clomiphene include Brock Lesnar and Jon Jones, who both popped for the substance at UFC 200.
Mulheron (11-2) made his Octagon debut at UFC Fight Night 113 last July, losing to Justin Willis by decision. He was scheduled to face Cyril Asker on Nov. 25, 2017, but was pulled from the event due to the violation.
Mulheron’s suspension is retroactive to the date his provisional suspension was imposed. He will be eligible to return to competition on Nov. 17, 2018.