Ion Cutelaba Pulled From UFC 217 Over Potential Anti-Doping Violation

The UFC has pulled a fight between Ion Cutelaba and Michael Oleksiejczuk over a potential anti-doping violation by Cutelaba. The company announced the news on Friday, noting that the violation stems from a disclosure on his pre-fight form.

The UFC said in a statement, “The UFC organization was notified today that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has informed Ion Cutelaba of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation stemming from its investigation into voluntary disclosures by Cutelaba during an out-of-competition sample collections on October 18 and October 19, 2017. USADA has provisionally suspended Cutelaba and his fight against Michal Oleksiejczuk has been cancelled from the November 4, 2017, UFC 217 fight card.

USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case involving Cutelaba. Under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, there is a full and fair legal process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed. Additional information will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward.”

The fight was set for the early preliminary card of the show, which takes place Saturday at Madison Square Garden. The main card will be broadcast live on PPV. Prelims will be shown on FS1 and UFC Fight Pass.