Former Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez Faces Two-year Suspension Over Anti-Doping Violation

Former UFC fighter Gilbert Melendez gets a two-year suspension by the UFC’s anti-doping partner. The MMA professional can fight outside UFC.

Gilbert Melendez, a former Strikeforce Lightweight Champion and a former WEC Lightweight Champion, on Monday became a subject of a failed drug test. US anti-doping agency (USADA) announces, that the 38-year-old, upon being positive for or GHRP-6 and its metabolites GHRP-6(2-5)-OH and GHRP-6(2-6)-OH, will serve a two-year ban from UFC.

It should be taken into consideration, that Melendez is already not under any contract by UFC. He hasn’t fought since July 6,2019. However, has an impressive overall record of 22-8, which also includes victories over Jorge Masvidal, Josh Thomson, Diego Sanchez, Clay Guida, and Shinya Aoki.

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USADA’s Official Statement on Gilbert Melendez

The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) is a non-profit organization and the national anti-doping organization for the United States. On Monday, the very organization released a statement on Gilbert Melendez, which states;

“Melendez, 38, 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 UFC Prohibited List.”

Additionally, Melendez’s ban period will be considered from November 1, 2019. (Source)

Gilbert Melendez, hasn’t been in the ring for over an year. At this point, it is unclear whether he will ever return or not. But if plans to return, have to pick an MMA entity other than UFC.

A statement from Melendez is yet to come, the Fighter is fairly active on social media. Other than his in-ring ventures, the fighter has also featured in movies, and has rendered commentary duties in the past.

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