Bellator MMA lightweight champ Usman Nurmagomedov just dropped a statement following a recent hiccup – a failed drug test that’s got everyone talking about his championship status.
News broke on November 11 that Nurmagomedov is looking at a six-month suspension from the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) due to a positive test for a banned substance. Now, the exact substance is still a mystery.
Later in the day, MMA insider Ariel Helwani spilled the tea, sharing that according to CSAC bigwig Andy Foster, Nurmagomedov had a prescription but somehow missed the exemption application. Nurmagomedov spilled the beans on this in a statement he posted on Instagram.
“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.”
Due to his recent failed test, Nurmagomedov’s title defense against Brent Primus at Bellator 300 last month has been wiped off the books, marked as a No Contest. To add to the mix, he’s out of the running for the Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix.
The tournament’s other semifinal showdown, Patricky Pitbull vs. Alexandr Shabliy, is still on the cards for Bellator 301 in Chicago next weekend. Now, it seems like the winner of that clash might lock horns with Primus in the $1 million final. But, here’s the twist – it’s a bit fuzzy if that would be for an interim title or the vacant lightweight championship.
