Mike King fails UFN 46 PED test, released by the UFC
Mike King tested positive for Nandralone at UFN 46, and is out his $50,000 performance bonus, is suspended for nine months, and must pass a test before fighting again.
UFC middleweight Mike King had a good news bad news in his fight with Cathal Pendred at UFC Fight Night Dublin: McGregor vs. Brandao on July 19, 2014. Bad news was he got submitted in the second round via RNC. Good news was he won a $50,000 performance bonus for Fight of the Night.
However, bonuses are held until drugs test come back, and King tested positive for Nandralone. UFC.com has the story.
He was informed that his positive test violated the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy and Promotional Agreement with Zuffa, LLC. The UFC has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance-enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents by our athletes. He agreed to serve a 9-month suspension retroactive to the event and must pass a drug test before receiving clearance to compete again. He will forfeit his $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus.
The $50,000 will now go instead to Pendred. Further, King has been released by the UFC. The fighter offered a statement of responsibility and regret, via MMAFighting.
Following my bout against Cathal Pendred at UFC Fight Night Dublin: McGregor vs. Brandao on July 19, 2014 I tested positive for the banned substance Nandrolone.
The consequences for my conduct are truly significant: the life changing $50,000 Fight of The Night bonus I was awarded has been taken away, I have been informed that my UFC promotional agreement is being terminated, I have been placed on a nine month suspension, and I have publicly humiliated myself.
I accept full responsibility for my actions and decisions and make no excuses.
I want to apologize to my opponent and friend Cathal Pendred, the UFC, Dana White, Lorenzo Fertitta, coaches, team mates, management, friends, family, and most importantly my fans.
I believe in the power of redemption and second chances. I will work tirelessly to prove I am a trustworthy person who deserves the honor of competing at the highest level in the sport I love.
Respectfully,
Mike King
The test failure was particularly hard to understand given an interview he gave on the subject in the week preceding the fight.
Pendred, who suffered a drug-fueled beating in the first before coming back in the second, offered no sympathy to his disgraced opponent, but expressed gratitude for the double bonus.
Cathal Pendred @PendredMMA
•P.E.D = Pendred Enjoying Dollars
•Thank you @danawhite @lorenzofertitta & J.Silva for rewardeding me for being PED free. I will donate a sum to Temple St. children’s hospital