Usman Nurmagomedov has finally addressed the failed drug test that has sidelined him since October. The reigning Bellator lightweight champion had his victory over Brent Primus at Bellator 300 changed to a no contest by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) due to this failed test. As a result, he received a six-month suspension and a $50,000 fine.
Details surrounding the incident have been limited, and the specific substance Nurmagomedov tested positive for remains undisclosed. However, a settlement agreement between CSAC executive officer Andy Foster and Nurmagomedov indicates that he “provided evidence that the prohibited substance was prescribed to him by a physician” and asserts that it was for therapeutic use.
Having fulfilled the terms of his settlement, Nurmagomedov (17-0) is prepared to make his comeback as the headliner for the Bellator Champions Series: San Diego on September 7, facing Alexandr Shabliy (24-3). In an interview with MMA Junkie, he discussed the situation and defended his innocence regarding any allegations that his case involved performance-enhancing drugs.
“We have an agreement with the California Commission, and while I can’t disclose details to the media, it was medication,” Nurmagomedov explained when asked about the banned substance. “If it had been a steroid, they would have to specify that it was a steroid and impose a longer suspension—like one or two years, as we’ve seen with other cases. It was just medication, and it’s really nothing. Everything is fine now.”
The 26-year-old expressed that he feels at peace and is confident he did nothing wrong, believing that any opposing claims are simply attempts to tarnish the nearly flawless reputation of his family name.
“I don’t care about the critics; I’m doing fine,” Nurmagomedov stated. “I haven’t done anything wrong. I know who I am. I’ve never used steroids or anything like that. People only bring this up because they can’t beat us, so they need to say something, and they choose to say, ‘Oh, this guy uses steroids.’ That’s fine—talk all you want, but who really cares?”
