B.J. Penn Removed from UFC 199, Suspended for Potential Anti-Doping Policy Violation

Former UFC champion B.J. Penn has been pulled from his June 4 bout against Cole Miller due to a potential violation of the UFC’s anti-doping policy.

In a statement issued Monday evening, the UFC acknowledged that the organization had been notified of the possible violation by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

“Penn disclosed the usage of a prohibited method - the use of an IV in excess of 50 ML in a six-hour period - during a March 25, 2016, out-of-competition sample collection,” the statement read.

According to the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, “all IV infusions and/or injections of more than 50mL (~3.4 tablespoons) per 6 hour period are prohibited at all times, both in- and out-of-competition, except for those legitimately received in the course of hospital admissions, surgical procedures or clinical investigations, without an approved Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).”

Like all UFC fighters facing potential anti-doping violations, Penn has been issued a provisional suspension. The 37-year-old Hawaiian was set to face Miller in a featherweight bout as part of UFC 199. Now, with Penn suspended, the UFC is seeking a replacement opponent to meet Miller next month in Los Angeles.

Penn’s comeback was previously put on hold when the UFC opted not to book “The Prodigy” while accusations of sexual assault were investigated. In April, UFC officials announced that the company had concluded its investigation and scheduled Penn to face Dennis Siver at UFC 199. Siver withdrew from the bout earlier this month, and Miller stepped in to fill the slot.