Brian Ortega Apologizes for Failed Drug Test at UFC on Fox 12

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Brian Ortega took to Instagram on Saturday to apologize for his failed drug test following UFC on Fox 12 in San Jose, Calif., on July 26.

The California State Athletic Commission revealed on Friday that Ortega tested positive for the anabolic steroid drostanalone after his victory over Mike de la Torre in a featherweight bout. The former Resurrection Fighting Alliance champion was suspended for nine months and fined $2,500, pending an appeal. His win was changed to a no contest.

“In preparation for my UFC debut, I used a banned substance called drostanalone. It was an irresponsible decision that I will regret for the rest of my life. I apologize to my family, friends, fans, the UFC and everyone else who was affected by my selfish actions,” Ortega wrote. “It should be known that my coaches were totally unaware of my decisions, and I am ashamed that I let down the people who believed in me more than I believed in myself.”

Ortega landed a takedown within the first minute of his encounter with de la Torre. From there, he immediately transitioned to his opponent’s back, secured his hooks and sunk in the fight-ending rear-naked choke with de la Torre in the standing position. The end came 1:39 into the opening frame.

The fighter known as “T-City” was unbeaten in his first eight professional bouts prior to his Octagon debut.

“Going forward, I’d rather lose a fair fight to any opponent, than defeat myself the way I have done,” Ortega wrote.