Bantamweight Michinori Tanaka tested positive for banned substances prior to UFC Fight Night 52 in September and he has been suspended for nine months by the UFC.
The positive drug test was announced by the UFC on Tuesday on the promotions website and the complete statement from the UFC is below.
“UFC bantamweight Michinori Tanaka tested positive for ephedrine and pseudoephedrine based on a pre-fight urine test administered prior to the event,” the UFC statement said. “Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are stimulants banned in athletic competition pursuant to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code.”
“Based on such results, UFC officials decided that Tanaka had violated his promotional agreement and the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy. Accepting the accuracy of the test result, Tanaka has admitted to taking over-the-counter allergy medication prior to the fight, likely causing the positive result, and acknowledges the illegal substances were in his system.”
“Consequently, Tanaka agreed to a nine-month suspension from unarmed combat competition. He must pass a drug test at the conclusion of his suspension in order to return to competition. Tanaka will also forfeit his Fight of the Night bonus he earned at the event.”
“The UFC organization has always been a leader when it comes to testing for performance-enhancing drugs in combat sports. All UFC athletes know they are subject to drug testing by an applicable state athletic commission, an international governing federation, or by an independent laboratory contracted by the UFC when no regulatory body is overseeing the event. In those cases where regulatory oversight is unavailable, UFC voluntarily chooses to adhere to the highest level of athlete health and safety protocols similar to if the event were being held in the state of Nevada.”
According to Drugs.com, “Ephedrine is used for temporary relief of shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing due to bronchial asthma. It works by reducing swelling and constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages and widening the lung airways, allowing you to breathe more easily.” Also, Drugs.com says “Pseudoephedrine is used to treat nasal and sinus congestion, or congestion of the tubes that drain fluid from your inner ears, called the eustachian tubes.”
Tanaka (10-1) signed with the UFC earlier this year and won his promotional debut against Roland Delorme by decision. At UFC Fight Night 52, he faced Kyung Ho Kang on the preliminary card and lost by split decision.