The USADA (United States Anti-Soping Agency) announced today that UFC Featherweight Chad Mendes, perennial contender for the title, has been suspended from the UFC under the outfit’s anti-doping policy. Mendes tested positive for a growth hormon-releasing hexapeptide. The ban will be made retroactive to June 10.
Chad Mendes Suspended for Two Years
When he was first accused, Mendes took to twitter saying, “I didn’t do my homework and that was a big mistake. I own it and I’m going to pay for it.”
In both 2012 and 2014, Mendes (17-4) fought Jose Aldo for the featherweight championship. In 2012, he lost due to a knockout in the first round. In 2014, he lost a very hotly-contested fight due to unanimous decision. Many felt it was a worthy potential “fight of the year”.
Mendes earned a big payday in a 2015 loss via second round TKO to Conor McGregor. The loss would have given him the interim featherweight championship.
Mendes fights out of Team Alpha Male in California. Despite a recent 1-3 record in his last four contests, he has faced off against the who’s who in Aldo, Edgar and McGregor. Whether he comes back from this is to be seen, but he leaves a hole in a very tough division.
