UFC anti-doping partner USADA released a statement today that Welterweight Jesse Taylor has accepted a one year of suspension for stemming a positive out-of-competition drug test for clomiphene conducted on August 22. Taylor was subsequently removed from a UFC Sydney fight with Belal Muhammad on November 19, 2017, inside Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia.
The one-year suspension is the highest sanction possible for a first-time offender who tests positive for the substance.
USADA stated the decision:
“Taylor’s one-year period of ineligibility, the highest sanction for a first offense involving a Specified Substance, began on September 13, 2017,” the statement reads, “the date his provisional suspension was imposed. As a result of his positive test, Taylor was removed from the Card for the UFC Fight Night event in Sydney, Australia, scheduled for November 18, 2017.”
USADA also released a further explanation of why clomiphene is listed as a banned substance, and what possible performance-enhancing effects it may have to body.
“Clomiphene is not approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the male population, as its use has not been thoroughly studied for safety and efficacy. Clomiphene also indirectly promotes the secretion of testosterone. Increasing testosterone, especially when combined with strength training, has been demonstrated to increase fat-free mass, muscle size, and strength in males, potentially leading to performance enhancement in sport.”
After the news of his positive test, Taylor indicated he didn’t cheat intentionally and asked the public to reserve judgment until all the details of this case were known.
“The truth will come to Light! I am just as shocked and surprised by this tragedy,” he wrote on Instagram a month ago. “Our Team is looking into this matter. Let due process do it work before judging on the matter. Those that know me know this is wrong. We will Fight this and I will be back. I am sorry to Aussie friends and fans but that fight is off due to to this matter I am very bummed but we will get to bottom of this. I’ll Be BaCk.”
Well, positive drug test didn’t do much good to Taylor. He last competed at “The Ultimate Fighter 25” Finale on July 7, where he completed his run through a 16-man welterweight tournament with rear-naked choke submission in a second-round on Dhiego Lima.
