Neil Magny reveals positive USADA drug test led to UFC Rochester withdrawal

Bloodyelbow.com

It’s now clear why Neil Magny won’t be fighting Vicente Luque this weekend at UFC Fight Night: Dos Anjos vs. Lee in Rochester.

Magny, a longtime UFC welterweight, revealed in an Instagram post on Tuesday that he failed a USADA drug test ahead of a scheduled bout against Luque, which was expected to co-headline Saturday’s card.

Magny wrote on social media that he was informed May 11 that he had tested positive for the anabolic agent Di-Hydroxy-LGD-4033 in a May 5 out-of-competition drug test administered by the UFC’s anti-doping partner.

In his statement, Magny denied any wrongdoing and stated that he is “fully cooperating” with USADA to determine how the substance was found in his sample.

“Throughout my MMA career I have been very transparent. I am not afraid to admit when I am in the wrong,” Magny said. … “I have always been an advocate for the strict drug testing in the UFC, even to the extent of opting for my collected samples to be used for research purposes by USADA. I know without a doubt that I have done everything according to the standards set by USADA.

“I have faith in USADA that this situation will resolved in a timely manner and that I will be cleared of any wrong doing. To all of my fans and supporters, thank you. I assure you that I have not let you down.”

USADA confirmed Magny’s positive test in a statement sent to Bloody Elbow Tuesday evening.

”We can confirm that an out-of-competition test for Mr. Magny conducted by USADA on May 5, 2019 resulted in an adverse analytical finding,” USADA spokesperson Adam Woullard wrote via email.

“We are able to confirm these details in this instance because Mr. Magny commented publicly via social media. All athletes have the right to a full investigative process and should be presumed innocent.”

Magny hasn’t fought since a TKO loss to top contender Santiago Ponzinibbio last November in the UFC Bueno Aires main event. Prior to that, he stopped newcomer Craig White. Magny, who has seen mixed results over the past few years, holds notable wins over Johny Hendricks, Carlos Condit, and Kelvin Gastelum.

Magny isn’t the only notable fighter to test positive for LGD-4033 recently. In December, UFC heavyweight Walt Harris tested positive for LGD-4033. The selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) is prohibited at all times under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code, which USADA follows. USADA determined Harris’ failed test was a result of a contaminated supplement. Harris was suspended four months.

With Magny out, the UFC signed Derrick Krantz to fight Luque on less than a week’s notice at UFC Rochester, which takes place at Blue Cross Arena and is headlined by Rafael dos Anjos vs. Kevin Lee.