Following a lengthy investigation, UFC light heavyweight Azamat Murzakanov has been given a two year suspension by USADA after testing positive for an anabolic agent.
Light heavyweight Azamat Murzakanov is the latest UFC athlete to run afoul of USADA. In a press release distributed Monday, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency revealed that Murzakanov (7-0), who has never actually fought in the UFC, has been handed a two year suspension following a 2017 violation of the UFC’s anti-doping policy.
The fighter tested positive for boldenone metabolites, specifically 5β-androst-1-en-17β-ol-3-one and androsta-1,4-diene-6β-ol-3,17-dione in an out-of-competition test he submitted to on September 2, 2017. Boldenone is banned at all times for UFC athletes, and is classed as an anabolic agent.
In its statement Monday, USADA noted that “The delay in resolving Murzakanov’s case was due to requests for additional time by Murzakanov to investigate the source of his positive test. Murzakanov has been provisionally suspended and, therefore unable to compete, since the date he was notified on September 25, 2017. Murzakanov’s two-year period of ineligibility began on September 2, 2017, the date his sample was collected.”
Murzakanov last fought for ACB in April 2017, defeating Georgy Sakaev. He was signed by the UFC the next month. Six of his seven wins have come via stoppage. Based on today’s announcement, ‘The Professional’ will be eligible to return to action in September of this year.
