UFC Heavyweight Josh Barnett has been notified of a potential Anti-Doping violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collection on December 9, 2016.
The UFC released the news moments ago with this statement:
“The UFC organization was formally notified today that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has informed Josh Barnett of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collection on December 9, 2016.
USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case. It is important to note that, under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, there is a full fair legal review process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed.
Consistent with all previous potential anti-doping violations, additional information or UFC statements will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward.”
Barnett, who re-signed with the UFC in 2013, is a former heavyweight champion, but has failed multiple tests before. The 39-year-old defeated Bobby Hoffman at UFC 34, but was warned by the Nevada State Athletic Comission after he failed his post fight drug test. Following the bout, “The Warmaster” faced Randy Couture for the UFC Heavyweight Championship. Barnett defeated Couture at UFC 36, winning the title, but was subsequently stripped of the belt following another failed drug test.
It is unclear what the American’s next move will be, but with age as a massive factor in this one, trying to get out of his UFC contract seems the most likely thing he will do.
