Gilbert Melendez suspended a year after failed drug test, blames substance

Not even some added testosterone could help Gilbert Melendez win his last fight.

Melendez was defeated by Eddie Alvarez at UFC 188 in Mexico City last month, and the fighter tested positive for a banned substance after his loss. In a statement about the failed test, which led to a one-year long suspension by the UFC, Melendez blamed taking a substance:

“Regrettably, I tested positive in my post fight urine sample for UFC 188. I did not inject anything, but I am responsible and accept the consequences for the results. I will make sure I am better educated about the products I use and their implications. Going forward I will ensure no products I use will contain banned substances. I am sincerely apologetic to everyone who supports me, including my fans, sponsors and the UFC. I value your trust and respect and will do everything in my power to keep it,” Melendez said in a statement via the UFC.

The lightweight is now out of his scheduled fight with Al Iaquinta on July 15. Melendez has lost two fights in a row and three of his last four. Things are a lot tougher in the UFC than Strikeforce, apparently.