Diego Ferreira Removed From UFC Fight Night 88 For Possible Anti-Doping Violation

MMA Junkie reports that Diego Ferreira (12-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC) has been removed from UFC Fight Night 88 due to a possible anti-doping violation. The USADA informed the UFC of the possible failed drug test. Ferreira was set to fight Abel Trujillo (14-6 MMA, 5-2 UFC) on May 29 from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. It airs on FOX Sports 1 after preliminary fights on UFC Fight Pass. UFC officials are looking for a replacement for Trujillo.

UFC said in a statement: “The UFC organization was notified today that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) informed Carlos Diego Ferreira of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation, stemming from a recent out-of-competition sample collection. In accordance with the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, Ferreira has received a provisional suspension, and has been removed from his scheduled bout against Abel Trujillo on May 29 in Las Vegas.

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 note that, under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, there is a full and fair review process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed.

UFC will announce a replacement opponent for Trujillo shortly, while additional violation information will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward.”

Here’s the current card:

MAIN CARD (FOX Sports 1, 9 p.m. ET)
Thomas Almeida vs. Cody Garbrandt
Renan Barao vs. Jeremy Stephens
Tarec Saffiedine vs. Rick Story
Chris Camozzi vs. Vitor Miranda
Lorenz Larkin vs. Jorge Masvidal
Josh Burkman vs. Paul Felder

PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX Sports 1, 7 p.m. ET)
Jessica Eye vs. Sara McMann
Abel Trujillo vs. TBA
Jake Collier vs. Alberto Pereira Uda
Shane Campbell vs. Erik Koch

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC Fight Pass, 6 p.m. ET)
Bryan Caraway vs. Aljamain Sterling
Chris DeLaRocha vs. Adam Milstead