“Potential anti-doping policy violation” results in Chad Mendes being flagged by USADA

As the UFC's efforts to clean up the sport of MMA intensify, an unexpected name has cropped up.

Former two-time featherweight title challenger Chad Mendes has been flagged by the promotion's anti-doping partner, the United States Anti-Doping Agency, for a potential violation. Mendes, who last competed in December when he was knocked out by Frankie Edgar, was informed of the possible violation although the alleged banned substance was not revealed. The news broke on Friday night, with the below statement from the UFC explaining that more information will be made public as it becomes available

"The UFC organisation was notified today that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has informed Chad Mendes of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collection. "USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case. It is important to note that, under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, there is a full and fair review process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed. Additional information will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward."

Team Alpha Male's Mendes is currently ranked fourth in the featherweight rankings after losing back-to-back fights for the first time in his professional career. The Edgar defeat came exactly five months after he lost a short-notice interim featherweight title fight against reigning 145 lbs champion Conor McGregor at UFC 189. Team Alpha Male has a squeaky clean record when it comes to drug testing and, if a violation is confirmed by USADA, it would be the first time that a big-name competitor from the Sacramento camp has tested positive for a banned substance.