Ben Rothwell Flagged by USADA For Potential Anti-Doping Violation

According to mmafighting.com, Ben Rothwell (36-10) has been flagged by USADA for potential UFC anti-doping policy violation. Rothwell was slated to face Fabricio Werdum at UFC 211 on May 13 in Dallas, but is now provisionally suspended pending the USADA investigation. Rothwell released the following statement through his management team…

“With the recent news received from USADA, I would like to take this time to let everyone know I have been under the care of a physician and trying to overcome a medical illness. I would appreciate the chance to show that I have not cheated nor did I intend to cheat. Please hold your opinions of me until all the facts are out. I appreciate everyone’s support as I go through the process with USADA.”

Back in 2013, Rothwell was suspended nine months by the UFC in 2013 for elevated levels of testosterone stemming from an in-competition sample collected in relation to his UFC 164 fight with Brandon Vera. Rothwell was on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) at the time, but tested for levels outside the threshold despite having a valid therapeutic use exemption (TUE) for that bout. He was not suspended by the Wisconsin Athletic Commission.