Thiago intends to investigate his supplements and meds. (UFC publicity photo)
After the UFC officially announced that Thiago Tavares had been flagged for using banned substances, the Brazilian has denied taking any wrongdoing.
In response to the UFC’s announcement, the fighter sent out a message stating that he was surprised by the positive test and that he would never use any supplement that did not meet the organization’s guidelines.
“I’ve always prized my career throughout all these years and would never use something not permitted by the rules,” Tavares said through a press release.
The lightweight’s urinalysis came back showing traces of drostanolone, an anabolic steroid, which slapped him with a nine-month suspension and mandatory further testing before he can be cleared to return to the octagon.
Check out the following translation of Thiago Tavares’s open letter:
“I’m surprised about the UFC’s announcement that I’m suspected of doping. In 13 fights, I’ve undergone testing on seven occasions and was never flagged for any illegal substances …
“My medical team is investigating all the supplements and medications I’ve used in and out of Brazil over the last few months to determine what caused me to turn in a false positive sample. The analysis is being done in specialized laboratories by researchers from Santa Catarina Federal University, and all medical procedures I’ve undergone are being inspected as well.
“I’ve gone through a series of things that threatened to derail my career, like postponed fights, injuries, etc., and that kept me from fighting last year. But I’m confident that my career will not be thrown off track by yet another obstacle. We’ve already asked the UFC to test a B sample, and we’re waiting on the results to see what measures we will be taking.”
Prior to the announcement of Tavares’ positive test, rumors circulated that it was Vitor Belfort who was flagged for banned substances. Those rumors were denied by UFC president Dana White, but, as reported on GRACIEMAG.com, the UFC announced that Belfort was approved for a therapeutic use exemption for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to treat hypogonadism.
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