Second Chinese UFC fighter flagged for potential USADA anti-doping violation

UFC welterweight Li Jingliang has been flagged of a potential violation of USADA’s anti-doping policy. He tested positive for the clenbuterol, a controversial substance recently found in meat.

UFC welterweight Li Jingliang has been notified of a potential violation of USADA’s anti-doping policy, stemming from an out-of-competition drug test administered on May 18 ahead of his bout at The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale last month.

UFC officials announced the news in a statement on Tuesday.

Jingliang also received a temporary suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) on Tuesday morning.

Jingliang tested positive for clenbuterol, a sympathomimetic amine used as a decongestant by people with breathing disorders, the NSAC revealed. China’s Ning Guangyou recently tested positive for clenbuterol, as well. Interestingly, Guangyou was ruled not to be at fault, as USADA determined that the failed drug test was likely triggered by tainted meat.

“The UFC organization was notified by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) that it has informed Li Jingliang of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collection on May 18, 2016,” the UFC’s statement read. “USADA also informed the UFC that it initiated an investigation into the source of the prohibited substance detected in Jingliang’s sample prior to notifying him of the potential violation. Because of this investigation, USADA has not issued a provisional suspension against Jingliang at this time.

“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, a full and fair legal review process is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed. The Nevada State Athletic Commission has also retained jurisdiction over this matter because Jingliang’s sample was collected prior to his participation on The Ultimate Fighter Finale card on July 8, 2016, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Consistent with all previous potential anti-doping violations, additional information will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward.”

Jingliang defeated Anton Zafir by knockout at the TUF 23 Finale on July 8. The impressive victory got him back into the winning column — prior to his latest victory, he was tapped out by Keita Nakamura nearly a year ago.