The UFC heavyweight division may have just taken a huge hit, as No. 5 ranked contender Ben Rothwell has been flagged for a potential USADA drug violation.
UFC Officials announced the news today.
“The UFC organization was formally notified today that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has informed Ben Rothwell of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collection on February 6, 2017.
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.
Consistent with all previous potential anti-doping violations, additional information or UFC statements will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward.”
If Rothwell is suspended for the potential violation, it will make for his second account. Rothwell was suspended by the UFC right after his 2013 victory over Brandon Vera at UFC 164 for TRT usage.
The heavyweight is currently coming off of a loss to Junior Dos Santos via unanimous decision at last year’s UFC Fight Night 86.
