Antonio Rogerio Nogueira Faces Potential Anti-Doping Violation, Pulled from UFC on Fox 26

UFC light heavyweight Antonio Rogerio Nogueira is facing a possible anti-doping violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collected on Sept. 27.

The UFC released a statement on Nogueira’s positive test on Thursday. As a result, “Minotouro” has been removed from a scheduled clash against Jared Cannonier at UFC on Fox 26 on Dec. 16. The promotion is currently seeking a replacement opponent for Cannonier.

USADA will handle results management and adjudication of Nogueira’s case. The 41-year-old Brazilian is entitled to a full legal review process before any sanctions are imposed.

Nogueira hasn’t competed since November 2016, when he suffered a third-round technical knockout loss to Ryan Bader in the UFC Fight Night 100 main event. The former Pride Fighting Championships star has been victorious in just three of his last eight Octagon appearances.

UFC on Fox 26 takes place at MTS Center in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and is headlined by a welterweight clash between Robbie Lawler and Rafael dos Anjos.