Suspended for doping, Lyoto regrets: 'They didn't look at my intention'

Lyoto (photo) should not fight until 2017. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

Former UFC light heavyweight champion, Lyoto Machida considers that the 18-month suspension he received for doping last week did not take into account his intention 'not to cheat' in the case.

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The Brazilian is banned from fighting until October 2017 due to the episode that occurred in April. At the time, Lyoto, who was preparing to face Dan Henderson No. UFC Tampa, declared to the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), Ultimate's official partner, that he had used a product that contained the substance 7-keto, an anabolic agent.

In an interview with the “Combate” channel website, Machida regretted that the suspension was severe even though he had voluntarily revealed its use. “I had no intention, in any way, of cheating. The guys went to the gym, I was training, they came to test me and I told them I was taking this and that. And soon after I signed the paper, I said what I was taking, I didn't really know, especially because 7-keto is sold in the USA in any pharmacy, supplement store, it's normal. I didn't know it was banned, so much so that I took the supplement to the fight. Would a sane person, knowing that the deal was illegal, take it to the fight, knowing that it would be tested?”, asked the Brazilian.

“I don’t want to deceive anyone, my intention was the best possible. I was worried about not making mistakes, but I made a mistake, I admit, I wasn't paying attention. But unfortunately I think USADA only looked at the error, they didn't look at the intention, the honesty side, of me speaking, of not wanting to take advantage of this”, continued the former champion.

Machida will be 39 years old when he is cleared to fight again. Even so, he guarantees that his motivation remains intact. “I still feel very young, fast, strong, I train very well, so I think I still have a way to go. I want to fight against the best and fight for the position of champion again”, he guaranteed.

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