Another week, another potential doping violation flagged by USADA (U.S. Anti-Doping Agency). The UFC announced today that promotional newcomer Azamat Murzakanov has been informed of a possible anti-doping policy violation, in connection with an out-of-competition sample the fighter provided September 2.
The UFC’s statement reads in full:
The UFC organization was notified today that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has informed Azamat Murzakanov of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collected on September 2, 2017.
USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case involving Murzakanov. Under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, there is a full and fair legal process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed. Additional information will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward.
Azamat Murzakanov had yet to debut for the UFC. The Russian light heavyweight last fought for ACB in April, where he scored a TKO victory over Georgy Sakaev to improve his record to 7-0 as a professional. Six of those seven wins have come via stoppage.
Murzakanov had previously been linked to a bout with Joachim Christensen at UFC Fight Night 112. That fight, however, fell through when “The Professional” was forced to withdraw for unspecified reasons.
