Former featherweight title challenger Chad Mendes potentially facing USADA sanctions

CHAD ‘Money’ Mendes could find himself facing an anti-doping ban after news broke on Friday night of a ‘potential anti-doping policy violation’.

A statement from the UFC explained that the potential issue has arisen following an out-of-competition drug test, with due process now being followed to confirm the violation.

A statement released by the UFC read: “The UFC organization was notified today that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has informed Chad Mendes of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collection.

“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 and fair review process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed.

“Additional information will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward.”

If Mendes is found to have tested positive for a ‘non-specified substance’ he could face a minimum suspension of two years from the sport, with the potential for that penalty to be doubled to four years for ‘aggravating circumstances’ such as the presence of masking agents.

However, two recent cases have seen both middleweight contender Yoel Romero and welterweight Tim Means accept reduced penalties after it was discovered that their failed tests were triggered by contaminated supplements.

Romero and Means both accepted six-month suspensions, retroactively applied to the dates of their provisional suspensions.

UFC/USADA Anti-Doping Penalties

‘Non-specified substances’

As defined by the WADA code: Anabolic steroids, growth hormones, peptides, blood doping drugs and methods (tested for in and out of competition)

• First offence: Two years (with possibility of four years for ‘aggravating circumstances’)
• Second offence: Double the sanction for the first offence
• Third offence: Double the sanction for the second offence

‘Specified substances’

As defined by the WADA code: Marijuana, cocaine, other stimulants and glucocorticosteroids (tested for in-competition only)

• First offence: One year (with possibility of two additional years for ‘aggravating circumstances’
• Second offence: Double the sanction for the first offence
• Third offence: Double the sanction for the second offence

An anti-doping violation during or leading up to a bout will result in disqualification of result and forfeiture of title, ranking and purse or other compensation.

Any purse, compensation or fine will be put toward the cost of UFC anti-doping programme and/or anti-doping research.