Bellator: Usman Nurmagomedov Suspended For Six Months After Failed Test
In the latest MMA news, Usman Nurmagomedov, the Bellator lightweight champion, has reportedly been suspended for six months after failing a drug test.
The news has meant that his win over Brent Primus at Bellator 300 has been changed into a no-contest. The fighter had faced Primus in the semi-finals of the Lightweight Grand Prix and overcame his opponent to win on the scorecards via a unanimous decision: 50-45.
And according to Ariel Helwani, Nurmagomedov has also been issued with a fine of $50,000. It is alleged that the failed test was due to some prescription medicine that had been administered, as per the California State Athletic Commission Executive Director Andy Foster.
It is not clear what the name of the medication was or whether Nurmagomedov had accepted the positive test as an appeal could still occur. And yet, it is important to note that Nurmagomedov is part of the VADA testing system. Despite this being the case, Nurmagomedov’s manager Ali Abdelaziz backed his fighter.
Nurmagomedov’s Failed Test
“Usman was prescribed medication for an illness he had. It’s not an anabolic steroid, EPO, HGH, etc. Nothing enhancing. He will rematch Primus and get back in the tournament,” Nurmagomedov’s manager Ali Abdelaziz
Those comments did not sit very well with Primus, who had a few choice words to say about the matter. And in doing so, the fighter did not hold back.
“I just can’t believe a young undefeated fighter, coming from the camp he’s coming from would cheat and use a banned substance,” Primus
However, since those initial remarks, Nurmagomedov has come out with his own statement to clarify the matter. The MMA fighter held his hands up in acknowledging the findings, as Nurmagomedov must now go back to the drawing board to see where he goes next from here. His following comments confirmed as much.
“The results of my test revealed a prohibited substance that entered my body through medications, prescribed to me by a doctor. A few months before my fight, I was undergoing treatment, but unfortunately I did not notify the athletic commission in advance.
Nurmagomedov Reacts
“I would like to note that the California State Athletic Commission conducted its own full investigation, where I provided all the necessary documents, doctor notes and medical certificates, thanks to which the period of my disqualification was reduced to 6 months, instead of longer suspensions accepted in such cases,” Nurmagomedov stated
This naturally begs the question: what will happen to Nurmagomedov’s title. As of now, there is nothing to suggest that he will be stripped of the title.
And once the actual ban is served, fans can expect the MMA fighter to get back into the cage. But whether that results in the fighter being the same is anyone’s guess.
After all, this is a serious obstacle in a career where Nurmagomedov remains undefeated in Bellator. And now there may be question marks over his past wins moving forward. And there is no getting away from that.
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