Former UFC fighter Gilbert Melendez slapped with a two-year suspension for anti-doping violation

July 29 ------ Former Strikeforce and WEC lightweight world champion Gilbert Melendez has been slapped with a two-year suspension by the United States Anti-Doping Agency for anti-doping violations. The 38-year-old Melendez tested positive for GHRP-6 and its metabolites GHRP-6(2-5)-OH and GHRP-6(2-6)-OH as the result of a urine sample collected out-of-competition on October 16, 2019.

GHRP-6 is a non-specified substance in the class of peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances, and mimetics, and is prohibited at all times under the UFC anti-doping policy and prohibited list. Melendez, who holds wins over renowned mixed martial arts fighters such as Shinya Aoki and Jorge Masvidal, last saw action at UFC 239 in July 2019 where he dropped a unanimous decision loss to Arnold Allen. He was released by the promotion last November.

While Melendez did not contest the presence of the banned substance in his body, he did challenge USADA’s jurisdiction to conduct the test. Melendez’s two-year suspension began on November 1, 2019, and will be lifted on November 1, 2021.

Source: gmanetwork.com/news/sports