It’s been a while since Nicco Montano has been inside the Octagon, but she is hoping that changes in the coming months.
The former UFC women’s flyweight champion on Wednesday released a statement regarding her six-month USADA suspension for ostarine, which was one of several announced cases that resulted from a contaminated supplement. Montano’s six-month sanction began on Nov. 15, so she will be eligible to return to active competition in May.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank my friends, family, and all of my fans for their continued support during this difficult period in my life,” Montano wrote on Instagram. “As you all know, USADA was unable to locate the source of my contamination. I will continue to remain diligent in my responsibilities to USADA and the UFC. I would like to acknowledge Donna Marcolini and Jeff Novitzky with the UFC for their assistance in this process.
“This suspension has further inspired me to work even harder of achieving my goals in the UFC. I hope to make my return this summer.”
Montano hasn’t fought since capturing the inaugural 125-pound title with a victory over Roxanne Modafferi at “The Ultimate Fighter 26” finale in December 2017. She was then sidelined by a foot injury and tonsilitis before being booked to face Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 228. However, a failed weight cut resulted in the cancellation of that bout, and as a result, Montano was stripped of her belt.