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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
The UFC has released a statement regarding the release of Matt Riddle following his second failed drug test in seven months. The drug test failure came out of his win over Che Mills at UFC on Fuel 7 a week and a half ago in London, and that win has now been overturned to a "no contest." Here's the UFC's full statement:
"Matthew Riddle tested positive for marijuana metabolites following his bout at UFC on FUEL TV 7 in London, England on February 16, 2013. This is Riddle’s second failed drug test for marijuana within the past seven months. Riddle previously failed a post-fight drug test due to marijuana following his UFC 149 victory over Chris Clements.
As such, the UFC organization is exercising its right to terminate Riddle for breach of his obligations under his Promotional Agreement as well as the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy. The UFC organization has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance-enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents. The outcome of the bout against Che Mills was changed to a no contest and the results of the positive test will be reported to the official Association of Boxing Commissions MMA record-keeper.
Penick's Analysis: This is the first time they've cited their new UFC Fighter Conduct Policy, which was implemented just last month, and given the explicit warnings Riddle was given after his UFC 149 drug test failure, it's clear why the release was handed down. Of course, there are fighters who are still on the roster who have committed similar misdeeds as Riddle, but the new code of conduct could mean more fighters will be subject to release from things like this going forward. The inconsistency from the UFC doesn't mean Riddle was unjustly released, though, and this statement supports their reasoning.
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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