Mendes: I am totally innocent
“I would like to thank all of my fans who are sending me through social media all sort of words of love, encouragement, trust and confidence that all this will be settled in my favor.”
UFC bantamweight Augusto Mendes was pulled from a scheduled fight vs. Merab Dvalishvili at UFC Fight Night 128 April 21, after an anti-doping test was flagged. However, in a message on his social network, the fighter has professed total innocence, says he will have the B sample tested, as well as any supplements he was taking.
“This past Wednesday, March 20th in the afternoon I was surprised with a notification from USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency), informing me of a potential violation to their doping regulations on a test presented on March 7th of this month,” wrote the former BJJ world champion.
“In my 20 years of martial arts, I have never used any substance that would enhance my performance. With this being said, I am shocked and express my total innocence on this situation. I put myself 100% in the governing entity disposition to clarify this case as fast as possible under all regulations.
“In the past months, I have not changed my supplement routine. I am always respectful of all regulations presented by USADA. I have been tested seven times in the past year and have passed all with no problems or worries. Because of my professionalism and personal character I respect the work done by USADA in pro of all MMA fighters and their legitimacy to fight. I will incur in all means necessary and possible that will allow me prove my innocence in this case.
“I live the glories and feel the bitter taste of defeat that this sport brings. In 2016, due to a left knee injury I was forced to sit on the sidelines of all sport activity for a whole year. I know and dislike what a doping sanction can do for my career. I would never make this mistake to myself. For all this I have been pulled out of my fight with Mareb Dvalishvili scheduled for UFC Fight Night 128 on April 21st.
“I would like to thank all of my fans who are sending me through social media all sort of words of love, encouragement, trust and confidence that all this will be settled in my favor. To my fans, friends, training partners, to the UFC and Mareb Dvalishvili, I would like to apologize for my absence in the programmed fight and I am confident that a new adversary will be found so you can all have a great fight.
“I will see you all soon in the Octagon. Thank you.”