Credit:Getty/UFC
Credit: Getty/UFC
The Nevada State Athletic Commission on Tuesday handed out
sanctions to UFC fighters Carlos
Felipe and Zviad
Lazishvili for failed drug tests in relation to their
respective bouts.
Felipe tested positive for the anabolic agent Boldenone and its
metabolites in relation to a unanimous decision loss to Andrei
Arlovski at UFC Fight Night 195 on Oct. 16. As a result, he was
fined 15% of his $28,000 purse, which amounts to $4,200 — as well
as $489 in attorney’s fees. Felipe was also suspended 18 months,
meaning he is eligible to return on April 16, 2023.
Felipe’s attorney told
MMAFighting.com that the heavyweight denies using a banned
substance but agreed to the sanctions because he doesn’t want to
pay what could amount to more than $10,000 for defense fees and
additional testing.
Meanwhile, Lazishvili was suspended for nine months after testing
positive for the estrogen blocker clomiphene in relation to his
Octagon debut against Jonathan
Martinez at UFC Fight Night 196 on Oct. 23. Lazishvili, who
lost a unanimous decision, was fined 15% of his $12,8000 purse
($1,800) and also must pay $326 in legal fees.
The suspension is retroactive to Lazishvili’s positive test, so the
Legacy Fighting Alliance veteran will be able to return to action
on July 24.