Former UFC Champion Suspended 18 Months For USADA Violation

The other shoe has dropped in the Lyoto Machida United States Anti-Doping Association situation.

MMA Fighting has reported that the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion has been suspended for 18 months, retroactive to April 8, 2016 for an an elevated 7β-hydroxy-DHEA to DHEA ratio. The substance is used to help weight loss and metabolism.

Machida admitted to taking DHEA after his April test ended up positive. He claimed he didn't know the product he used contained the substance. Since DHEA was on the label as an ingredient, it didn't qualify as a tainted supplement. USADA noted that Machida's cooperation reduced the sentence to 18 months as opposed to two years.

The now-38 year old Machida was set to face Dan Henderson at UFC on Fox 19 in April, but was pulled from the fight due to the failed drug test. Machida has seen a steep decline in his UFC career, losing three of his last four UFC fights. Machida captured the UFC Light Heavyweight title from Rashad Evans in 2009.

Machida will be eligible to return in October 2017.