Cung Le has been handed a nine month suspension after a post-fight drugs test following UFC Fight Night 48 revealed that he had excess levels of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) in his system.
Le’s use of the banned hormone, which stimulates growth, cell reproduction and regeneration, didn’t help him in the Octagon at tthe event in Macau on August 23rd as he suffered a one-sided beating at the hands of Michael Bisping who eventually TKO’d him in the fourth round, leaving his face a bloodied, swollen mess.
Interestingly, Bisping had questioned Le’s impressive physique prior to their fight and had personally called for more drug testing at the event, and the UFC obliged.
During fight week the 42 year-old Le denied speculation that he was cheating, claiming that he had “good genetics”, was on a strict diet set out by a personal trainer, and had been able to train injury free for the first time in a long time.
He also claimed that one picture in particular that had led to much of the speculation regarding his physique was just down to “perfect lighting” and the fact that he’d just finished a hard workout.
Le has so far not commented on his failed drug test.
Read the full statement from the UFC regarding Le’s suspension below.
“UFC middleweight Cung Le tested positive for an excess level of Human Growth Hormone in his system following his fight at UFC Fight Night in Macao, China on August 23. Due to his positive test result, Le was suspended by the UFC and notified that he violated the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy and Promotional Agreement with Zuffa, LLC. The UFC has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance-enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents by our athletes. Le will serve a nine-month suspension and, at its conclusion, will need to pass a drug test before competing in the UFC again.”
