UFC bantamweight Alex (Bruce Leeroy) Caceres, middleweight Riki Fukuda and heavyweight Lavar Johnson each failed drug screenings following their most recent fights.
Fukuda was released from the organization after he tested positive for several banned stimulants following his decision loss to Brad Tavares on March 3. Phenylpropanolamine, norpseudoephedrine and ephedrine were all found in the Japanese fighter’s system.
Caceres tested positive for marijuana metabolites. The UFC said he had been suspended for six months and would attend drug rehabilitation classes. The TUF 12 star will have to pass a drug test after his ban to receive clearance to compete again.
“I accept full responsibility for my actions and the consequences from those actions,” the fighter said in a statement. ‘I apologize to all that I have disappointed, including the UFC, my family, coaches, training partners and fans. I accept the sanctions from the UFC and I look forward to completing the necessary steps to getting back in the Octagon following the suspension and assuring that this never happens again.”
Caceres’ split-decision win over Kyung Ho Kang on that same March 3 card was changed to a no contest.
“The UFC organization has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance-enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents,” the UFC said in a statement Wednesday. “All 22 fighters on the UFC on FUEL TV 8 card were drug tested at the event and all fighters passed their drug tests with the exception of Alex Caceres and Riki Fukada.”
Johnson tested for high levels of testosterone following a UFC 157 unanimous decision loss to Brendan Schaub, according to the California State Athletic Commission. There is no word on whether the UFC plans on releasing him. All other fighters from UFC 157 passed their tests.
With files from THE CANADIAN PRESS
