UFC light heavyweight Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (22-8 MMA, 5-5 UFC) is another fighter who came under the sword of USADA. Due to off potential USADA violation, ‘Lil Nog’ was pulled off from his scheduled fight at UFC on FOX 26 against Jared Cannonier takes place Dec. 16 at MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The anti-doping violation stemmed from an out-of-competition drug test administered by USADA on September 27.
Promotion officials are seeking a replacement for opponent Cannonier, UFC officials announced on Thursday.
“The UFC organization has notified Antonio Rogerio Nogueira of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collected on September 27, 2017. Due to the proximity of Nogueira’s upcoming scheduled bout at UFC FIGHT NIGHT: LAWLER vs. TWO ANGELS in Winnipeg, Canada on December 16, 2017, against Jared Cannonier, Nogueira has been removed from the UFC card and is currently seeking a replacement. “
Nogueira reacted to the news and posted on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BacSPq6Dhaj/
“I’m surprised by the fact that I’ve been surprised by the anti-doping control organization that a diuretic substance appeared in my exams.
“I am here to try to clarify because we do not yet have all the explanations, but from now on we will investigate this situation in depth. I have told all of you that I am confident in my defense and we will find out what happened.
“I have never needed to take diuretic and everyone who accompanies me is my coach. I have never had any difficulties to lose weight and this is the function of the diuretic.
“As soon as the UFC schedules my fight I will start a process of diet and training precisely so that at the end of my camp I will not suffer with weight loss.
“It is very difficult going through this for me as I have always been honest and especially with my work which I have dedicated myself and continue to dedicate myself to it’s my passion. Because of this unfortunately my fight was canceled and I was very sad about it but I hope as soon as possible to clarify this misunderstanding and give you all a spectacular fight.
“Thank you all for your support and respect for me.”
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira speaking to MMA fighting on Thursday said he was tested positive for Hydrochlorothiazide, its the same substance that former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos tested positive for ahead of UFC 215 this past summer.
Nogueira last fought in November 2016 against Ryan Bader in the main event of UFC Fight Night 100 which he lost via TKO in the second round. Prior to that fight, he competed Patrick Cummins and earned a victory in the first round by TKO at UFC 198 in May 2016.
