Tibau refutes Canadian's doping accusations: 'Honestly, I don't know him'

G. Tibau (photo) is about to complete 25 fights for the UFC. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

This Wednesday (11), Canadian Andrew McInnes made headlines in MMA news when he commented on the wave of doping cases in the sport and, for no apparent reason, accused Brazilian Gleison Tibau of using illegal substances to increase his performance. Upon learning of McInnes' statements, Tibau contacted the SUPER FIGHTS, through his press office, and released an official statement responding to the WSOF athlete's allegations.

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“Honestly, I don’t know him. My lack of knowledge about him is personal and professional, as I have never watched or heard of his fights. So, I checked on the internet about him, and I saw that he has had a short career in MMA. In my entire life as a fighter, I have taken more anti-doping tests from the UFC than the UFC has done in professional fights. I have a 15-year career, I am present in the history of the largest MMA organization in the world as one of the fighters who has stepped into the octagon the most, with 24 fights for the event alone. In total, there are 43 professional fights, and in none of them was I caught for doping or was I above the weight limit for my category, currently lightweight (with a weight limit of up to 70,3kg)”, said Tibau, through note.

At 31 years old, Gleison Tibau has a professional record of 33 wins and ten losses. With 24 fights already held in Ultimate, the native of Rio Grande do Norte is the Brazilian with the most appearances in the Octagon and occupies third place in the overall ranking, alongside the legendary Randy Couture. TIbau already has a date set to reach second place, and draw with the former welterweight champion Matt hugs, who has 25 fights for the organization. The American Top Team athlete has an appointment scheduled for February 28th, when he faces the North American Tony Ferguson at UFC 184, in Los Angeles (USA).

Check out Tibau's official note in full in response to Andrew McInnes below:

On the afternoon of this Wednesday, February 11th, when I was leaving another training session at American Top Team, I was surprised by the information that the fighter Andrew Mclnnes gave an interview and directed his negative point of view on doping towards me, calling me ' pumped' and ensuring that I use banned substances to improve my performance inside the UFC octagon. I am totally against any factor that benefits athletes in their performance. For me, only training and skills should have an influence on the final result of a fight.

Honestly, I don't know him. My lack of knowledge about him is personal and professional, as I have never watched or heard of his fights. So, I checked on the internet about him, and I saw that he has had a short career in MMA. In my entire life as a fighter, I have taken more anti-doping tests from the UFC than the UFC has done in professional fights. I have a 15-year career, I am present in the history of the largest MMA organization in the world as one of the fighters who has stepped into the octagon the most, with 24 fights for the event alone. In total, there are 43 professional fights, and in none of them was I caught for doping or was I above the weight limit for my category, currently lightweight (70,3kg).

For all of this, I deeply regret the statement made by Mclnnes and/or anyone else who insinuates that I practice something illegal in sport or in life. Furthermore, I wish the athlete success in his career and in life.