Comparison between C. Le in 2011 (left) and 2014 (right) raised suspicions. Photo: Production SUPER LUTAS (UFC/Instagram)
After raising suspicions about his condition due to the publication of a photo in which he appeared excessively vascular, the Vietnamese Cung le confirmed his distrust and was caught in an anti-doping test carried out after UFC Macau, on August 23rd, with high levels of GH – the growth hormone. The announcement was made by the UFC on Tuesday night (30). The organization also suspended the middleweight division for nine months due to the test result.
According to Ultimate, through an official statement, Cung le must pass another anti-doping test shortly after the end of the suspension period and only then be released to return. At the event in Macau, Le faced Michael Bisping and was knocked out in the fourth round. In the week before the duel, the Vietnamese had already raised suspicions by releasing a photo in which he appeared in excellent physical shape and excessively vascularized, especially if his historical physical shape is taken into account, the fact that the fighter is already 42 years old and coming after an almost two-year hiatus in his career.
At the time, the athlete defended himself against the accusations and avoided further controversy by saying that he had been training hard, that he had taken the photo right after finishing a workout and that the right lighting enhanced his shape. At 42 years old, Cung le has a professional record of nine wins and three losses. In his almost eight-year career, this is the first time that the former Strikeforce middleweight champion has been caught in a drug test.