The mystery of why UFC 186’s co-main event between Rory MacDonald and Hector Lombard was abruptly cancelled has now been solved, and unfortunately it’s not good news.
It’s been announced that Lombard failed a post-fight drugs test after his unanimous decision victory over Josh Burkman at UFC 182 on January 3rd, testing positive for the anabolic steroid, desoxymethyltestosterone.
Lombard had been on a three-fight winning streak since dropping down to the UFC’s welterweight division in 2013 and is currently placed at No.5 in the divisional rankings.
A win over MacDonald could have put him within touching distance of title contention, but instead his latest victory is now almost certain to be amended to a ‘no contest’ ruling and he’ll face a lengthy suspension from competing too.
January was one of the UFC’s biggest months in recent memory with several stacked events and blockbuster headliners drawing impressive TV ratings and PPV numbers, but it’s the troubling series of high-profile drug test failures from the likes of Jon Jones (cocaine), Anderson Silva (steroids), Nick Diaz (Marijuana) and now Lombard (steroids) that have grabbed the headlines and cast a dark shadow over the sport.
Read the UFC’s official statement regarding Lombard’s drug bust below.
“The UFC has been notified by the Nevada State Athletic Commission that UFC welterweight Hector Lombard has tested positive for a banned substance following his fight at ‘UFC 182: Jones vs. Cormier’ on Jan. 3, 2015 in Las Vegas,” the UFC’s statement reads. “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. As a result of his positive test, Lombard has been informed that he has violated the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy and Promotional Agreement with Zuffa, LLC. The UFC will cooperate with the commission on the matter and fully supports Lombard’s right to a due process hearing before the commission.”
