Daniel Rodriguez Announces Drug Test Failure, Withdrawal From Noche UFC Event

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A Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter has taken it upon himself to unveil the news of his recent positive drug test.

Late Thursday night, Daniel Rodriguez (17-4) announced on Instagram that he had failed an out-of-competition drug test for ostarine. Due to the active investigation, he will no longer be competing at the upcoming Sept. 16 event, UFC Fight Night 227, also called “Noche UFC,” at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Rodriguez claimed that he did not intentionally take the banned substance, and that the low levels of ostarine in his system could be attributed to certain dietary supplements he takes.

Rodriguez is not currently suspended by USADA or the UFC, but during the course of the review process, he will not be allowed to compete. This specific substance has been linked to multiple “tainted supplement” suspensions handed down by the organization, where the fighter did not intentionally ingest the substance, but it was inadvertently included in the processing of something they ate or took. Several UFC combatants, including Diego Sanchez, Ovince St. Preux, Sean O'Malley and Tim Means, have all been flagged in the past for this specific selective androgen receptor modulator that aids in muscle growth, and were all issued light sentences due to the drug in their system but not of their own volition. The UFC has not yet stated if Rodriguez’ opponent, Santiago Ponzinibbio, will remain on the billing with a new matchup.

Rodriguez’ statement in its entirety reads as follows:

”Following a communication from USADA today, I wanted to clarify the current situation to the media, my supporters, and everybody involved in the sport of mixed martial arts.”

“Today I was notified that an out-of-competition sample that I provided to USADA was positive for an extremely low level of Ostarine. First and foremost, I want to clarify I did not intentionally use Ostarine, nor have I ever knowingly used any prohibited substance in my career. I rarely take any form of supplements and have always strived to care for my body in the most natural ways. From my first fight until today I have had a negative test every single time not one slip up not one positive test until today. Since I was notified, I became educated on Ostarine, as well as others who have tested positive for the substance. Ostarine, specifically, is commonly found as a low-level contaminant in certain dietary supplements. These levels provide absolutely no performance-enhancing benefit. I strongly believe that a supplement contaminant is the reason for my low-level positive, and am actively working with my Manager, USADA, and the UFC on reviewing and testing the supplements I took prior to my test.”

“While I am extremely disappointed in this development and am now unable to fight on September 16th, I am looking forward to finding a definitive explanation for my low-level positive test and am ready to fully cooperate with the USADA. I look forward to getting back to work in the Octagon soon. Unfortunately, some things are just out of our control. Moving forward, I will be more selective with the supplements I put in my body and will be sure to confirm they are all third party-approved.”

According to a USADA statement provided to ESPN, the anti-drug test agency confirmed this while stating that the investigation is still underway.

“With all cases,” the statement wrote, “the UFC ADP provides full due process including the right to a B-sample analysis and a hearing in front of an independent arbitrator before any sanction is imposed. All athletes are innocent unless and until proven to have committed a violation of the rules through the established process.”

It continued, “We appreciate Mr. Rodriguez’s willingness to cooperate in the determination of the facts. We also acknowledge Mr. Rodriguez’s claim of supplement contamination, and while the facts must be determined before any conclusion is drawn, we continue to encourage athletes to exercise caution with supplements, which are not approved by the FDA, and ensure any supplement they choose to take is tested by a third party, such as NSF Certified for Sport.”