Former UFC champion is caught taking a doping test for the fourth time

Barnett was caught by USADA. (Photo: Getty Images)

Former heavyweight champion Josh Barnett was caught in a surprise drug test carried out by USADA (US Anti-Doping Agency) on December 9th, during an out-of-competition period. The substance used by the fighter has not yet been disclosed. It is the fourth time that Barnett has been caught doping: he had already fallen in 2001, 2002 and 2009 due to the use of anabolic steroids.

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At 39 years old, the “Baby-faced Assassin”, who is in his second stint in Ultimate, is coming off a submission victory over Andrei Arlovski, last September. He won the heavyweight belt in 2002, when he knocked out Randy Couture at UFC 36. In total, he has seven victories and three setbacks in the organization.

Check the full statement:

“The UFC was formally notified today by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, which reported a possible Anti-Doping Policy violation by Josh Barnett, stemming from an out-of-competition sample collected on December 9, 2016.

USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case. It is important to mention that, in accordance with the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, there is a fair legal review process that is granted to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed.

In accordance with all previous anti-doping violations, additional information or statements from the UFC will be provided at the appropriate time as the process progresses.”