The United States Anti-Doping Agency informed the UFC that Brock Lesnar failed a drug test on the night he fought Mark Hunt.
The positive test, coupled with the formality of a “B” sample showing a similarly dirty result, means that Lesnar likely forfeits his win, part of his purse, and two years of any MMA career the professional wrestler hoped to pursue. The UFC’s former heavyweight champion previously tested positive for an out-of-competition test in the lead-up to the Hunt bout. In both instances, Lesnar reportedly popped positive for clomiphene, an estrogen inhibitor typically taken at the conclusion of a steroid cycle to block the natural surge in estrogen that accompanies the unnatural surge in testosterone. It also helps the body naturally produce testosterone after a steroid cycle signals the body to stop producing much of it. Clomiphene, among other effects, helps prevent the growth of breasts in males using steroids. In women, it promotes fertility. This substance also found its way into the urine of Chael Sonnen and Jon Jones before their suspensions.
The UFC released a statement addressing the development:
The UFC organization was notified today that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has informed Brock Lesnar that his in-competition sample collection from July 9, 2016, at UFC 200, has tested positive for the same substance as his previously announced out-of-competition collection on June 28, 2016.
USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case. It is important to note that, under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, there is a full fair legal review process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed. The Nevada State Athletic Commission also retains jurisdiction over this matter as the sample collection was performed at UFC 200 in Las Vegas.
Consistent with all previous potential anti-doping violations, additional information will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward.
Lesnar looked like his old, young self in a dominant victory over Hunt after nearly five years away from the sport. He took down the Super Samoan at will in the first and third rounds, viciously pounding his face with fists, forearms, and elbows from the top position. The judges saw it unanimously 29-27 for Lesnar.
But Hunt saw this all coming. He criticized USADA for granting a waiver to Lesnar to return to competition without the usual four-month testing window preceding it. The New Zealand-born fighter battled Antonio Silva to a draw several back before results showed Big Foot used banned substances. That fight, as the fight with Lesnar will eventually do, reverted to a “no contest.” Hunt also battled at least five other fighters besides Silva and Lesnar linked to performance enhancers during their careers through failed and dodged tests. Hunt, evidently experienced in spotting the signs in opponents, described Lesnar as “juiced to the gills” prior to the bout.
Lesnar joins other UFC legends, including Anderson Silva, Frank Mir, and Jon Jones, in testing positive for banned substances. The promotion instituted a stringent new screening regime administered by USADA, which not only figures to catch more malefactors but promises to punish them more, too.