UFC
NSAC's Keith Kizer: Alistair Overeem's failed drug test, by itself, has no effect on UFC 141 win over Brock Lesnar
Apr 4, 2012 - 9:35:32 PM NSAC's Keith Kizer: Alistair Overeem's failed drug test, by itself, has no effect on UFC 141 win over Brock Lesnar

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

The initial reaction today's revelation that Alistair Overeem had tested positive for an elevated T/E ratio last week has been one of massive disappointment over the loss of next month's UFC 146 main event. However, there's another question that the positive test result brings to the forefront - what does this mean for Overeem's UFC 141 win over Brock Lesnar?

That bout nearly didn't take place in December after Overeem failed to properly comply with a random drug test prior to the event. He was then required to address the Nevada State Athletic Commission, who ultimately granted him a provisional license.

The provisional license was granted under the condition that he be pass multiple tests before and after the fight. That included the pre- and post-fight tests the weekend of the fight, but he was also subject to two random tests in the months following the event.

With a positive test in this random test, the reasonable assumption was that his win over Lesnar could potentially be overturned. Though there is some potential for that, NSAC executive director Keith Kizer tells MMATorch that this test won't necessarily have any bearing on that December fight.

"By itself, [the] test result has no effect on that decision," he said.

Kizer added that he was unsure of any other mitigating circumstances that could lead to an effect on that fight, or whether or not it would be addressed when and if Overeem appears before the commission regarding this positive test.

Overeem will have to apply for a license once again to fight in Nevada, then appear in front of the commission to explain this failed test. As Overeem has not yet applied, Kizer did not have a timetable for how soon he could appear in front of them to address this. With the UFC 146 event taking place at the end of next month, Overeem will need to move quickly if there's any chance of him keeping his spot in this title fight.

Penick's Analysis: There is still the potential for some retroactive effect on the result of the Lesnar fight, but right now that isn't the focus and there's no telling where this may go. Overeem still has a right to get his "B" sample tested, which if negative would clear him, and if that comes back positive he still has a right to appear in front of the commission in order to attempt to get licensed still. For now, it's really early in the process, so there are a lot of variables that haven't yet played out.