Cigano will not fight at UFC 215 (Photo: Reproduction Facebook Júnior dos Santos Cigano)
The Brazilian junior gypsy will no longer be part of UFC 215, an event that takes place on September 9th, in Edmonton, Canada. The former champion would face the Cameroonian Francis Ngannou, but was notified by USADA of a possible violation of anti-doping codes after an out-of-competition test and was removed from the event as a precaution by Ultimate himself.
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Through an official statement, the UFC announced that the test carried out by the Brazilian on August 10th may have resulted in doping and, therefore, will preserve Cigano, removing him from the fight against Ngannou and allowing the former champion to focus on his defense in the case. It is likely that he will ask for the counter-evidence to be analyzed before taking any other action. The substance that would have been found in Cigano's system was not disclosed.
Ultimate announced that it will look for a new opponent for Ngannou, but there is a possibility that the Cameroonian will be removed from the event. UFC 215 will feature, as its main event, the 11th defense of the UFC flyweight belt. Demetrious Johnson, who takes on challenger Ray Borg. The Brazilian Amanda nunes will also perform in the show, against rival Valentina Shevchenko. At stake will be the “Leoa” bantamweight title.
See the UFC statement (free translation):
“The UFC organization was notified today that the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) informed Júnior dos Santos of a potential violation of the Anti-Doping Policy arising from an out-of-competition test carried out on August 10, 2017. Due to the proximity of your fight against Francis Ngannou, scheduled for September 9th, at UFC 215, in Edmonton, Canada, Dos Santos was removed from the event and the UFC will look for a replacement.
USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results and appropriate adjudication of the case involving Dos Santos. In accordance with the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, there is a full and fair due process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed. Additional information will be provided at the appropriate time as the process continues.”
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