Ex-UFC Champ Lyoto Machida Suspended 18 Months for Anti-Doping Violation

Lyoto Machida has accepted an 18-month suspension for an anti-doping policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collected on April 8, USADA announced on Wednesday.

The former UFC light heavyweight champion declared the use of a product containing 7‐keto-dehydroepiandrosterone (7‐keto‐DHEA) on his sample collection paperwork. 7-keto-DHEA is classified as an anabolic agent on the banned substances list and can speed up the metabolism and aid weight loss as well as improve lean body mass and build muscle.

“Upon notice from USADA of his potential violation, Machida immediately confirmed his use of the product, which listed 7-keto-DHEA as an ingredient, and fully cooperated with the subsequent investigation after advising USADA that he did not realize 7-keto-DHEA was a prohibited substance when he used the product,” the USADA statement read. “Machida’s sample was analyzed at a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory and reported to USADA for an elevated 7β-hydroxy-DHEA to DHEA ratio, which is consistent with his declared use of a prohibited substance.”

The positive test resulted in the cancellation of Machida’s UFC on Fox 19 clash with Dan Henderson. “The Dragon’s” suspension is retroactive to April 8, and he will be eligible to return to active competition in October 2017.

Machida, 38 , has lost three of his last four fights. He last competed at UFC Fight Night in June 2015, losing to Yoel Romero via third-round TKO. He moved from light heavyweight to middleweight late in 2013.