Ultimate Fighting Championship officials Monday announced that the organization was seeking another lightweight to face Iaquinta after original opponent Gilbert Melendez was suspended for one year for a failed drug test. Hours later, the UFC issued a statement on its website confirming that “the fight will not be replaced, and the card will proceed with 12 bouts”.
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It becomes a double black eye of sorts for Melendez is coming of a three-round split decision lost to Eddie Alvarez at UFC 188. The UFC has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents by our athletes. He says he “did not inject anything”, but realizes he is responsible for the products he consumes.
Melendez joins a long list of fighters who have recently been popped for PEDs including Anderson Silva, Hector Lombard, Chael Sonnen and Mike King aka the guy who Cathal Pendred choked unconscious at UFC Dublin. Going forward, I will ensure no product I use will contain banned substances. The 28-year-old forged his current four-fight win streak while dealing with an injured right knee, and now that his shot at Melendez is off the table, the time to address the injury may be at hand. “I value your trust and respect and will everything in my power to keep it”. The test marked the first drug failure of Melendez’s career, and drew the 33-year-old a one-year suspension retroactive to the June 13 pay-per-view. But on a bright side, Melendez is still fortunate that the failed tests came before July 1.
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Though Iaquinta’s opponent has yet to be officially named, it looks like it may not happen at all. The fight was a co-main event fight with Mir. vs. Duffy.
