After failing a recent drug test, UFC welterweight Hector Lombard was slapped with several consequences by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC).
MMAJunkie reported that Lombard is suspended for one year and fined. His win in January 2015 against Josh Burkman was also overturned and resulted to a no-contest.
Lombard appeared on March 23 after testing positive for banned substances. He was found to be using desoxymethyltestosterone, a designer steroid, after his victory via unanimous decision over Burkman at UFC 182. He was slated to fight Rory MacDonald at UFC 186 in April 2015 next but has been withdrawn as a result of the positive drug results.
Yahoo! Sports reported that the fine included his original win bonus of $53,000 and one-third of show money worth $53,000.
Lombard admitted that he used the steroid but said that it was accidental. He said that the substance might have been present in some pills he took while previously suffering from a flu. He pleaded and asked for a second chance.
Based on the same report by MMA Junkie, Lombard said that he took a supplement from another judo Olympian, Canadian Julie Northrup, and that she said that the supplement was made from plants. The NSAC, however, did not believe his defense and denied him a second chance. The NSAC said that by failing to inform anyone that he was taking the pills, his omission served as proof that he knew that the pills were banned.
Lombard said in the same MMA Junkie report, "I let down the UFC, (President) Dana White, (owner) Lorenzo (Fertitta), the fans, my sponsors and countless others. I also owe an apology to my opponent, Josh Burkman. I trust those around me and within my inner circle to provide me with the proper guidance and information to allow me to perform at my best. I know I'm ultimately responsible for what I put in my body."
He added, "I relied on people I trusted to provide me with the correct information. I take full responsibility for not getting all information on this product. I am truly embarrassed and sorry for my actions. This will never happen again. As a fighter, I do not have many fights left in my career. I hope I can use this time to provide younger fighters with information on who they can trust."
Sherdog reported that Lombard's suspension will retroact to the date of the weigh-in, so it will be lifted on January 3, 2016, provided he passes the additional drug test.