Kelvin Gastelum Tests Positive for Marijuana Metabolites, Pulled from UFC 212 Bout vs. Silva

A positive drug test at UFC Fight Night 106 last month has brought Kelvin Gastelum’s ascent at middleweight to a screeching halt.

The Las Vegas-based promotion announced on Thursday that Gastelum tested positive for the marijuana metabolite Carboxy-Tetrahydrocannabinol (“Carboxy-THC”) during an in-competition drug screening at the March 11 event in Fortaleza, Brazil. Gastelum tested above the allowable limit of 180 ng/mL, although his actual level was not revealed.

Gastelum has been provisionally suspended by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, and as a result, he has been removed from his UFC 212 showdown vs. Anderson Silva on June 3 due to the “proximity” of the bout. A replacement opponent for Silva is being sought.

As usual, USADA will handle the results management and adjudication of the case. USADA will also work with the Brazilian MMA Athletic Commission (CABMMA), which oversaw the event, “to ensure that the commission has the necessary information to determine its proper judgment of Gastelum’s potential anti-doping violation.”

Gastelum defeated Vitor Belfort at UFC Fight Night 106 via technical knockout 3:52 into the opening stanza. It was “The Ultimate Fighter 17” winner’s second consecutive triumph at 185 pounds.

UFC 212 takes place at HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro and is headlined by a featherweight championship clash between Jose Aldo and Max Holloway.