Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov has been handed a six-month suspension and a $50,000 fine following a positive test.
According to the California State Athletic Commission Executive Director Andy Foster, the failed test was in reference to some prescription medication. As a result, Nurmagomedov’s win over Brent Primus has been changed to a no-contest. The news was after confirmation that Nurmagomedov is currently enrolled into VADA. Nevertheless, his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, was behind the MMA fighter.
“Usman was prescribed medication for an illness he had. It’s not an anabolic steroid, EPO, HGH, etc. Nothing enhancing. He will rematch Primus and get back in the tournament,” Ali Abdelaziz (Nurmagomedov’s manager) stated
Following those comments, both Primus and Nurmagomedov have released their own responses.
“I just can’t believe a young undefeated fighter, coming from the camp he’s coming from would cheat and use a banned substance,” Primus said
“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,” Nurmagomedov revealed