Last week, the UFC announced that it has adjusted its drug testing practices, and that it will no longer be announcing potential United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) violations. Instead, the promotion plans on holding off on announcements until violations are confirmed. This means that, going forward, fighters could potentially be involved in USADA investigations without the public knowing. Red-hot UFC bantamweight prospect Sean O’Malley, who was scheduled to fight José Alberto Quiñónez at UFC 229 on October 6, has found himself in this scenario.
Sean O’Malley announced this unfortunate situation on his official Instagram page. Contrary to his widely-known use of marijuana, O’Malley suggests this potential violation stems from the use of a tainted supplement.
Here’s what Sean O’Malley had to say:
“Hey guys, Sugar show here… I want to be the first to let you know about what’s been going on. As many of you may have seen, the UFC announced this weekend that they are no longer announcing potential violations of the USADA program, because of the high number of unintentional use cases under the program, and are instead waiting until the end.
“I find myself caught up in one of these exact cases right now. Even though under the new policy, my case would not be public right now, I feel it’s important to be up front and honest with my fans.
“I’ve been working with Jeff Novitzky at UFC and I believe that we have already identified a dietary supplement that would have caused this. We’ve sent remaining samples from the bottle I took to the USADA lab and as well as a full sealed bottle. I’m told the testing of these supplements can take as long as 30 days. I will continue to update you all the findings, but I fully expect the results what I already know. That I did nothing on purpose.
“For everyone that follows me and was excited for my fight I’m truly sorry. It hurts a lot not being able to get out there and do what I love on the biggest stage.
“I have no intention of cheating and am fully confident that the results of this case will show that. I love my fans and I hope the impact on my career is minimal and I’m back to fighting real soon.”
Stay tuned for further updates on this unfortunate Sean O’Malley situation as they emerge.
This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 9/30/2018.