After the news of being banned for six months, Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov finally shared a statement with the public. According to the fighter, the failed drug test was the effect of a prohibited substance included in the prescribed medication by his doctor.
The ban was first reported over the weekend, with the California State Athletic Commission deciding to ban Nurmagomedov for half a year due to a positive drug test. CSAC executive Andy Foster reportedly shared that the mixed martial artist had a prescription but failed to apply for it to prevent the decision. Nurmagomedov’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, shared the details of the drug.
“Usman was prescribed medication for an illness he had,” Nurmagomedov’s manager Ali Abdelaziz said. “It’s not an anabolic steroid, EPO, HGH, etc. Nothing enhancing.”
Nurmagomedov affirmed the matter in a recent statement on his Instagram account.
“The results of my test revealed a prohibited substance that entered my body through medications, prescribed to me by a doctor,” Nurmagomedov’s statement read. “A few months before my fight, I was undergoing treatment, but unfortunately I did not notify the athletic commission in advance.
“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.”
With the ban now given, Nurmagomedov was banned from Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix 2023, and the defense for his title against Brent Primus was overturned to a No Contest status. Unfortunately for Nurmagomedov, aside from being fined $50,000 for the infraction, reports claim that the winner of the Patricky Pitbull vs. Alexandr Shabliy Bellator 301 bout will face Primus for either an interim or vacant lightweight championship title. Nonetheless, Abdelaziz is still positive that a Primus vs. Nurmagomedov bout would still happen when the latter returns.
