Li Jingliang’s Failed USADA Test Ruled as No Fault, Won’t Face Sanctions

Li Jingliang will not face sanctions after testing positive for a banned substance in a US Anti-Doping Agency test. USADA announced today that Jingliang’s positive test for trace amounts of clenbuterol was due to him ingesting them “without fault or negligence.” Clenbuterol is a banned substance.

Jingliang tested positive in an out-of-competition test on May 18th. USADA officials determined that the result was likely due to ingesting animal proteins that were tainted with the substance, which is an anabolic agent.

USADA’s statement reads, “During its investigation into the circumstances that led to the positive test, USADA interviewed Jingliang and reviewed all available relevant evidence, including Jingliang’s whereabouts, dietary habits, and the laboratory reports demonstrating very low parts per billion concentrations of the prohibited substance in the athlete’s urine sample. USADA concluded that the presence of clenbuterol in the athlete’s sample very likely resulted from clenbuterol contaminated meat consumed in China. As a result, Jingliang will not face a period of ineligibility for his positive test. Furthermore, Jingliang’s competitive results from his bout on The Ultimate Fighter Finale card have not been disqualified because a sample collected in connection with that bout on July 8, 2016, by the Nevada State Athletic Commission was reported as negative.”

NSAC officials could still issue a suspension of their own, but it would be unlikely for that to happen. Jingliang beat Anton Zafir at TUF 23 Finale in July.