Brian Ortega tested positive for a banned substance following his submission win at UFC on FOX 12 against Mike De La Torre and has been suspended nine months by the California State Athletic Commission for the positive drug test.
In addition, Ortega was fined $2,500 and his victory against De La Torre has been overturned to a no-contest.
Following the announcement by the California State Athletic Commission of the positive drug test, the UFC released a statement on Ortega which stated that Ortega has violated the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy and Promotional Agreement with Zuffa, LLC.
“UFC featherweight Brian Ortega tested positive for drostanolone following his bout with Mike De La Torre at UFC Fight Night: Lawler vs. Brown on July 26, 2014,” the statement said. “He has been suspended by the California State Athletic Commission for nine months and fined $2,500 for his positive test. His victory over De La Torre will be overturned to a no contest. The UFC has notified Ortega that his positive test violated the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy and Promotional Agreement with Zuffa, LLC. 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. Ortega must pass a drug test at the conclusion of his suspension before receiving clearance to compete again.”
Prior to the UFC releasing a statement, Ortega posted a statement on his Instagram page and admitted to knowingly taking the banned substance.
Ortega came to the UFC from Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA) and is the second former RFA champion (Kevin Casey) to test positive for drostanolone since the beginning of July. Also, since the beginning of July, their have been four fighters test positive for banned substance with the others being Robert Drysdale and Mike King.