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No Sanctions Set For Islam Makhachev After Anti-Doping Investigation

July 27, 2016 | Posted by Jeremy Thomas

Islam Makhachev is free from sanctions or suspension following a USADA investigation regarding a positive test for meldonium. MMAjunkie reports that the USADA has issued a statement as to why Makhachev has been cleared to fight at UFC Fight Night 94 in September after being pulled from UFC on FOX 19 because of a test that showed an “extremely low meldonium concentration.”

According to the statement, Makhachev ingested the substance “without fault or negligence,” noting that it was to treat an irregular heart beat. The statement reads, “In November of 2015, Makhachev’s physician recommended that Makhachev incorporate meldonium, a non-prescription medication, into his follow-up treatment plan and as a preventative measure against a potential relapse. Makhachev then used meldonium for four weeks, from late November to late December 2015. USADA confirmed that Makhachev discontinued use of the substance prior to January 1, 2016, because he was aware that the substance would be added to the (World Anti-Doping Agency) prohibited list and banned under the UFC anti-doping program. After a thorough review of the case, USADA concluded that the extremely low meldonium concentration in the athlete’s urine sample, combined with the athlete’s explanation of use, was consistent with ingestion prior to the substance being officially prohibited on January 1, 2016.”

The statement concludes, “Based on the latest guidance offered by WADA … for cases involving meldonium, Makhachev will not face a period of ineligibility for his positive test.”

article topics :

Islam Makhachev, USADA, Jeremy Thomas