UFC newcomer Amanda Ribas claims she is innocent and hasn’t taken performance-enhancing drugs despite failing a drug test from the U.S Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).
Ribas was scheduled to make her UFC debut on July 7 against Juliana Lima but was forced to withdraw from the fight due to her positive drug test.
After being notified that she had failed her drug test, Ribas sent out a statement on her Instagram page. (Translated courtesy of MMA Fighting)
“I have been competing at a high level in Judo and BJJ since I was very young. Recently, I have achieved my dream of fighting in the UFC. I’m completely against any form of cheating in sports, as the use of PEDs. During my whole career I have never made use of any illegal substance, and I did not use anything now. I have no idea as to the origin of my positive test with USADA. I am working with USADA along with my managers and trainers to find out how this happened. I will prove my innocence, I will fight in the UFC and I will become UFC champ!”
With Ribas no longer being able to compete at The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption Finale, strawweight contender Tecia Torres will take the fight against Lima on short notice.
