UFC heavyweight fighter Ben Rothwell has been flagged by USADA in relation to an anti-doping violation.
The 35 year-old veteran was flagged after failing an out-of-competition drug test on February 6th and, for the time being at least, he’s been removed from his UFC 211 fight with Fabricio Werdum on May 13th after being placed on a temporary suspension pending a formal hearing at a later date.
Rothwell looks like he will be fighting back against any potential punishment, however, as in a statement after the news broke he suggested his failed test may be in relation to an ilness he is trying to overcome with the help of a doctor.
“With the recent news received from USADA, I would like to take this time to let everyone know I have been under the care of a physician and trying to overcome a medical illness,” Rothwell wrote.
“I would appreciate the chance to show that I have not cheated nor did I intend to cheat. Please hold your opinions of me until all the facts are out. I appreciate everyone’s support as I go through the process with USADA.”
It remains to be seen what exactly it is that Rothwell has tested positive for, but it’s possible he could face a longer suspension than usual due to the fact that he’s already failed a test in 2013 after registering elevated levels of testosterone, leading to the UFC suspending him for nine months.
Rothwell is currently ranked No.5 in the division and had been on a four-fight winning streak that saw him defeat the likes of Brandon Vera, Alistair Overeem, Matt Mitrione and Josh Barnett, before losing by decision to Junior dos Santos in April of last year.
