Fortunately, the UFC has done the right thing by rescinding the suspension, and Le is now free to fight again. Here’s the official statement from UFC.com:
At UFC Fight Night Macao on August 23rd, UFC contracted with an independent drug testing laboratory in Hong Kong to perform urinalysis testing on all fighters on the card. Additionally, UFC requested the laboratory to test blood samples from 4 fighters for human growth hormone (HGH), erythropoietin (EPO) and testosterone.
One of the athletes who had his blood tested was Cung Le. The laboratory results from Le’s blood test were sent to the UFC and showed that his blood had a total HGH level outside the reference range. Based on such results, UFC officials determined that Le had violated his promotional agreement and the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy. Consequently, UFC decided that Le should be suspended from unarmed combat competition for 12 months.
Following the announcement of Le’s suspension, UFC officials have been provided with medical advice regarding the elevated total HGH present in Le’s system. In accordance with such medical advice, UFC has determined that Le’s elevated total HGH by itself does not prove that he took performance-enhancing drugs before the August 23rd bout. As a result, UFC has informed Le that his suspension is rescinded.
Fortunately, the UFC has done the right thing by rescinding the suspension, and Le is now free to fight again. Here’s the official statement from UFC.com:
At UFC Fight Night Macao on August 23rd, UFC contracted with an independent drug testing laboratory in Hong Kong to perform urinalysis testing on all fighters on the card. Additionally, UFC requested the laboratory to test blood samples from 4 fighters for human growth hormone (HGH), erythropoietin (EPO) and testosterone.
One of the athletes who had his blood tested was Cung Le. The laboratory results from Le’s blood test were sent to the UFC and showed that his blood had a total HGH level outside the reference range. Based on such results, UFC officials determined that Le had violated his promotional agreement and the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy. Consequently, UFC decided that Le should be suspended from unarmed combat competition for 12 months.
Following the announcement of Le’s suspension, UFC officials have been provided with medical advice regarding the elevated total HGH present in Le’s system. In accordance with such medical advice, UFC has determined that Le’s elevated total HGH by itself does not prove that he took performance-enhancing drugs before the August 23rd bout. As a result, UFC has informed Le that his suspension is rescinded.
Le had requested an appeal of his suspension, and was entitled to arbitrate the drug test results and suspension. However, based on the lack of conclusive laboratory results, UFC officials deemed it appropriate to immediately rescind the suspension without the need for further proceedings.
The UFC organization has always been a leader when it comes to testing for performance-enhancing drugs in combat sports. All UFC athletes know they are subject to drug testing by an applicable state athletic commission, an international governing federation, or by an independent laboratory contracted by the UFC when no regulatory body is overseeing the event. In those cases where regulatory oversight is unavailable, UFC voluntarily chooses to adhere to the highest level of athlete health and safety protocols similar to if the event were being held in the state of Nevada.
It’s a somewhat embarrassing learning experience for the UFC, which has been trying to improve fighter drug testing lately by adding additional screenings for performance-enhancers like HGH and EPO. The problem is, not all testing facilities are created equal — and that’s exactly why the UFC needs to nail down a deal with a credible, truly independent drug-testing agency as soon as humanly possible.
In the wake of Cung Le‘s year-long suspension for an excess level of Human Growth Hormone, the UFC middleweight and his manager Gary Ibarra have publicly denied that he’s a doper. Amazingly, Le isn’t blaming his failed drug test on inept doctors or tainted supplements. Instead, his team is arguing that the procedures used by the UFC’s independent testing were suspect, and not as reliable as the World Anti-Doping Agency‘s methods. Here’s the official statement that Le and Ibarra released yesterday:
Cung Le Statement Regarding Positive hGH Test at UFC Fight Night, Macao, China
San Francisco – October 2, 2014 Gary Ibarra, Cung Le’s manager, confirmed the UFC’s statement regarding the failed hGH test results of Cung Le collected post-fight at UFC Fight Night, Macau China on August 23rd. In response to the UFC’s recent statement regarding Cung’s drug test results, our client would like to release this statement.
“I was completed surprised at the results of my recent drug test. I was informed by the UFC that I passed my pre and post-fight drug test as well as the majority of the blood tests with the only abnormality being an elevated level of hGH being determined to be present. I tested negative for Anabolics, Stimulants, Diuretics, Masking Agents and my Testosterone levels were within World Anti- Doping Agency and Nevada State Athletic Commission Approved limits a total of three times over two urine tests and a blood test collected both before and after my fight which is what makes these hGH result so difficult for me to accept as correct. This has also caused me to call the testing procedures into question. I have been informed that there are many possible reasons for a level of hGH to exceed what is allowed unknowingly and my doctors are researching those possibilities, which may include a much more serious health concern. I have also been informed about the unreliability of the current hGH testing that exists and it’s high rate of inaccuracy. I want to reiterate to my fans and the fans of mixed martial arts everywhere that I did not take any performance enhancing drugs or anything that would cause my natural level of hGH to exceed normal levels. ”
Upon our independent review of the laboratory procedures when testing for PED’s, it has been clear that the possibilities for incorrect test results are many. We were informed that the laboratory was advised to use the WADA approved rules and procedures when conducting the testing that they administer, yet the lab in Hong Kong contracted to do the testing was not WADA approved, which was surprising since there was a WADA approved lab available in Beijing China. The blood sample was collected post-fight when the natural hGH levels are the least reliable as the body in an attempt to heal itself will naturally release more hGH, but even more of a concern is that the more reliable and WADA required test for hGH known as the IGF-1 test was never conducted on the sample…
(Photo via Getty)
In the wake of Cung Le‘s year-long suspension for an excess level of Human Growth Hormone, the UFC middleweight and his manager Gary Ibarra have publicly denied that he’s a doper. Amazingly, Le isn’t blaming his failed drug test on inept doctors or tainted supplements. Instead, his team is arguing that the procedures used by the UFC’s independent testing were suspect, and not as reliable as the World Anti-Doping Agency‘s methods. Here’s the official statement that Le and Ibarra released yesterday:
Cung Le Statement Regarding Positive hGH Test at UFC Fight Night, Macao, China
San Francisco – October 2, 2014 Gary Ibarra, Cung Le’s manager, confirmed the UFC’s statement regarding the failed hGH test results of Cung Le collected post-fight at UFC Fight Night, Macau China on August 23rd. In response to the UFC’s recent statement regarding Cung’s drug test results, our client would like to release this statement.
“I was completed surprised at the results of my recent drug test. I was informed by the UFC that I passed my pre and post-fight drug test as well as the majority of the blood tests with the only abnormality being an elevated level of hGH being determined to be present. I tested negative for Anabolics, Stimulants, Diuretics, Masking Agents and my Testosterone levels were within World Anti- Doping Agency and Nevada State Athletic Commission Approved limits a total of three times over two urine tests and a blood test collected both before and after my fight which is what makes these hGH result so difficult for me to accept as correct. This has also caused me to call the testing procedures into question. I have been informed that there are many possible reasons for a level of hGH to exceed what is allowed unknowingly and my doctors are researching those possibilities, which may include a much more serious health concern. I have also been informed about the unreliability of the current hGH testing that exists and it’s high rate of inaccuracy. I want to reiterate to my fans and the fans of mixed martial arts everywhere that I did not take any performance enhancing drugs or anything that would cause my natural level of hGH to exceed normal levels. ”
Upon our independent review of the laboratory procedures when testing for PED’s, it has been clear that the possibilities for incorrect test results are many. We were informed that the laboratory was advised to use the WADA approved rules and procedures when conducting the testing that they administer, yet the lab in Hong Kong contracted to do the testing was not WADA approved, which was surprising since there was a WADA approved lab available in Beijing China. The blood sample was collected post-fight when the natural hGH levels are the least reliable as the body in an attempt to heal itself will naturally release more hGH, but even more of a concern is that the more reliable and WADA required test for hGH known as the IGF-1 test was never conducted on the sample. When we contacted the UFC to request that this more reliable test be conducted, we were informed that this was not possible as the lab only retained the sample for a week following the fight. WADA regulations require that samples are to be frozen and held for 10 Years, so that they can be retested in the event of a challenge. WADA rules state that when testing for hGH, the lab must use the “Isoform Differential Immunoassays” or “the Isoforms Test” a procedure which requires the IGF-1 test be performed. Again, this test was not performed by the lab and was could not subsequently be performed as the sample had been destroyed. The WADA regulations also state that:
“Since the total levels of hGH secreted into circulation vary naturally, are widely fluctuating over time and may be influenced by several factors not associated with doping, it is practically impossible to develop an anti-doping test based simply on the measurement of increased total hGH concentrations.”
There is a reason why hGH is still not tested for in all major sports leagues, the tests that exist are unreliable and present many opportunities for inaccuracy for a multitude of reasons. As was stated in the UFC’s press release in regards to our client, the results of the testing they conducted showed an elevated level of hGH, but as WADA states, the possibility for incorrect results are more than probable when testing for elevated levels of hGH especially when a non-WADA approved lab is used.
Cung Le has been a professional martial artist for over 20 years and has always conducted himself with honor showing a deep respect for his supporters and opponents, to have him made a public example based on suspect testing procedures conducted by a lab unfamiliar with the WADA rules is irresponsible. With the results of such testing having such a powerful effect on athletes reputations and futures we believe it would be better served to have future testing conducted by a WADA approved laboratory that knows and follows the established procedures to the letter so as to ensure something like this doesn’t happen again. Cung is extremely disappointed at the results of the test and that the UFC would make such an unprecedented decision to extend his suspension from 9 to 12 months when the testing procedures remain unclear.
*****
We’ll update you if Cung Le’s argument earns him a reduced sentence. It actually sounds like he’s got a decent case, and it raises a very important question: Is the UFC’s new push towards overseeing its own random drug testing credible or not? Shouldn’t the promotion rely on a truly independent testing body that 1) has no financial interest in who gets busted and when, and 2) uses the highest standards for testing?
The UFC announced this evening that middleweight Cung Le tested positive for HGH following his gruesome defeat at the hands of Michael Bisping at UFC Fight Night 48 in Macau last month. This is especially hilarious because of how adamant Le was before the fight about how he wasn’t using PEDs; that photo of him looking like the Incredible damn Hulk (see above, right) was just the result of hard work and good lighting and clean living and more assorted bullshit. Cung Le is a liar, and he’ll be punished for it. Here’s the full statement from the UFC:
UFC middleweight Cung Le tested positive for an excess level of Human Growth Hormone in his system following his fight at UFC Fight Night in Macao, China on August 23. Due to his positive test result, Le was suspended by the UFC and notified that he violated the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy and Promotional Agreement with Zuffa, LLC. The UFC has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance-enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents by our athletes. Le will serve a nine-month suspension and, at its conclusion, will need to pass a drug test before competing in the UFC again.
The UFC announced this evening that middleweight Cung Le tested positive for HGH following his gruesome defeat at the hands of Michael Bisping at UFC Fight Night 48 in Macau last month. This is especially hilarious because of how adamant Le was before the fight about how he wasn’t using PEDs; that photo of him looking like the Incredible damn Hulk (see above, right) was just the result of hard work and good lighting and clean living and more assorted bullshit. Cung Le is a liar, and he’ll be punished for it. Here’s the full statement from the UFC:
UFC middleweight Cung Le tested positive for an excess level of Human Growth Hormone in his system following his fight at UFC Fight Night in Macao, China on August 23. Due to his positive test result, Le was suspended by the UFC and notified that he violated the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy and Promotional Agreement with Zuffa, LLC. The UFC has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance-enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents by our athletes. Le will serve a nine-month suspension and, at its conclusion, will need to pass a drug test before competing in the UFC again.
I have three things to say about this…
1) As I wrote before the Bisping/Le fight, when it was announced that both fighters would be undergoing enhanced drug testing: “Of course, we probably won’t get the results of these tests until weeks after the fact, which does absolutely nothing to prevent potential cheaters from competing…if all these drug tests are timed so that big fights still get to proceed as scheduled, it doesn’t reflect well on the UFC’s priorities, or how serious they are about eradicating the PED epidemic.” Yep. Punishment clearly isn’t enough of a deterrent. The UFC needs to find a way to sift out the cheaters before they get into the cage.
2) Michael Bisping should earn an honorary spot in the UFC Hall of Fame for fighting the most confirmed drug users. I mean, good Lord: Chris Leben, Chael Sonnen, Vitor Belfort, and now Cung Le? And I’m not even including Wanderlei Silva and Dan Henderson, who became the subject of PED/drug-testing controversies after Bisping fought them.
3) Cung Le will be 43 years old when he comes back from his suspension. He couldn’t beat a upper-mid-level contender when he had chemical help, and he’ll be even worse off without his medicine. Dude, just retire.
(This picture is great in retrospect. / Photo via Getty)
Remember when Chael Sonnen failed his random drug test not too long ago (and was removed from UFC 175 and subsequently retired?) Well, he failed the second drug test the Nevada Athletic Commission issued too…and failed it BIG. MMAFighting.com was the first to report the news.
Get more details after the jump.
(This picture is great in retrospect. / Photo via Getty)
Remember when Chael Sonnen failed his random drug test not too long ago (and was removed from UFC 175 and subsequently retired?) Well, he failed the second drug test the Nevada Athletic Commission issued too…and failed it BIG. MMAFighting.com was the first to report the news.
Sonnen failed the second test for human growth hormone (HGH) and recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO). The former is a well-known drug that needs no introduction. The latter is a substance aiding production of red blood cells, which increases a fighter’s vitality and energy. Sonnen also tested positive for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is used to kickstart testosterone production. Perhaps he’ll explain this test failure the same way he explained the last one.
Sonnen failed his first drug test due to testing positive for the banned substances anastrozole and clomiphene. With both drug tests combined, Sonnen had a veritable pharmacy flowing through his veins. Damn.
While MMA can condemn Sonnen all it wants for the recent drug test failure, the fact of the matter is that he retired after he failed the first one, so what can really be done now?
We are made aware that a second random test conducted earlier this month resulted in a positive test for additional banned substances,” Sholler stated at the post-fight press conference. “Chael [Sonnen] will have an opportunity to appear in front of the Nevada State Athletic Commission later this month, and through a statement released to the media, he has pledged to cooperate.
We will support the commission and continue to ensure that all UFC competitors complete on an even playing field free of performance enhancing drugs and banned substances.
