George Sullivan Accepts 1-Year Suspension for Second Anti-Doping Violation
UFC welterweight George Sullivan has accepted a one-year suspension from USADA after a second anti-doping violation.
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Although Sullivan’s failed drug test would normally warrant a two-year suspension, the fighter was able to get his sanction reduced by providing proof that his positive test came while using a substance under the care of a physician for a documented medical condition.
“Upon notification of his positive test, Sullivan immediately identified a prescription fertility medication as the source of the prohibited substance detected in his sample,” the USADA statement read. “After a thorough review of the case, including the examination of medical records provided by the athlete, USADA confirmed that Sullivan’s positive test was caused by Clomiphene Citrate, which he was using in a therapeutic dose under the care of a physician to treat a medical condition. The prescribed use of the medication by Sullivan is considered an ‘off-label’ treatment, as Clomiphene Citrate is not approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for use by males.”
When Sullivan’s positive test was initially announced, he revealed in a statement that it was the result of him using a fertility pill in order to have a baby. Sullivan was previously serving a one-year suspension for his use of a product containing the prohibited substance Insulin Growth Factor -1 (IGF -1).
The Belmar, N.J., native last appeared at UFC on Fox 18 in January 2016, when he was submitted by Alexander Yakovlev in the first frame. He was booked to face Hector Urbina at UFC on Fox 20 last July but was pulled from that card due to what was initially referred to as a “compliance issue” with the anti-doping policy.
Sullivan’s latest suspension began on Jan. 14, the date his positive test was revealed. As a result, he will be eligible to return to active competition on Jan. 14, 2018.
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