WWE Superstar and former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar has been meted a suspension of one year and a fine of $250,000 as part of the settlement agreement for failing a pair of drug tests following his fight against Mark Hunt at UFC 200. Lesnar tested positive for hydroxyl-clomiphene—a substance banned by the US Ant-Doping Agency (USADA).
As noted by MMA Fighting, the substance is an anti-estrogen agent, which Brock Lesnar tested positive for in an out-of-competition drug test conducted by USADA on June 28. He also tested positive for the same substance in an in-competition test taken at UFC 200. The report also points out that Lesnar was tested a total of eight times by the anti-doping organization. The suspension was issued by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC). Apart from the suspension, Lesnar’s unanimous decision win over Mark Hunt was changed to a no-contest.
Fighting in the UFC for the first time in five years, Brock Lesnar reportedly received a $2.5 million purse for his UFC 200 win. The amount was the highest-ever purse received by a UFC fighter at the time. The $250,000 fine that he has to pay amounts to 10 percent of his purse.
Recently, former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones was also handed a one-year suspension by the NSAC for his own failed drug test right before his scheduled fight at UFC 200. But unlike Brock Lesnar, Jones was not allowed to compete, which scrapped his scheduled rematch with current light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier.
As noted by Forbes, the anti-estrogen substance Brock Lesnar and Jon Jones tested positive for are commonly used to come off the cycle of performance-enhancing drug use. While Jones attributed the failed drug test for his use of a sexual enhancement pill, Lesnar’s camp contended and failed to pin the failed tests on a foot and eye medication.
Brock Lesnar has fought nine times inside the Octagon. Following the recent ruling, his record now stands at 5-3-1.
