Undefeated UFC-signed fighter flagged by USADA before making Octagon debut

A fighter’s UFC career has been put on hold after the promotion was notified of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation.

Undefeated Russian MMA fighter Azamat Murzakanov was flagged for a potential violation and will now have to go through the due process.

The following is a statement from the UFC regarding Murzakanov:

The UFC organization was notified today that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has informed Azamat Murzakanov of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collected on September 2, 2017.

USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case involving Murzakanov. Under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, there is a full and fair legal process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed. Additional information will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward.

Murzakanov was slated to fight Joachim Christensen at UFC Oklahoma City in June but withdrew from the bout due to an injury.

Murzakanov has finished six of his seven fights all in under the two-minute mark and has gone to decision just once in his career. Murzakanov last competed in April at ACB 57 where he beat Georgy Sakaev by TKO at 1:37 of the very first round. Unfortunately, the Russian fighter’s UFC debut will be put on hold until this potential violation can be handled.

What are your thoughts on Azamat Murzakanov’s potential violation? Let’s discuss this in the comment section.

on 9/26/2017.