Kevin Casey and Robert Drysdale fail drug tests at UFC 175 and TUF 19 Finale
Two fighters competing on UFC 175 and the Ultimate Fighter 19 finale respectively failed post fight drug tests and face disciplinary action from the Nevada State Athletic Commission as a result of the infraction.
Kevin Casey, who defeated Bubba Bush by TKO at UFC 175, tested positive for an anabolic steroid called drostanolone following his win on July 5. Casey was just recently brought back to the UFC after a stint on The Ultimate Fighter season 17 and a subsequent loss to Josh Samman in his lone other fight in the Octagon.
Casey earned his way back to the UFC with a solid winning streak on the regional circuit, but now faces a suspension following the positive drug test in Nevada.
Joining Casey is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu star Robert Drysdale, who also tested positive in his fight against Keith Berish at The Ultimate Fighter finale card on July 6.
In Drysdale's case, test results showed the fighter having elevated levels of testosterone and according to Nevada Deputy Attorney General Christopher Eccles, who spoke to FOX Sports on Wednesday, confirmed his testosterone to epitestosterone levels were 12 to 1. The initial report came via MMAJunkie.
The normal amount for the average male is a 1:1 ratio, but Nevada allows for competitors to test as high as 6:1 without going over the legal limit. Drysdale's test returned double that amount.
This marks the second occasion Drysdale has failed a test in Nevada. He also tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone prior to his scheduled UFC debut last year at UFC 167 when his results came back with a 19.4:1 ratio.
The UFC released a statement shortly after the test results became public while handing down a temporary suspension for both fighters.
"The UFC has been notified by the Nevada State Athletic Commission that UFC middleweight Kevin Casey and light heavyweight Robert Drysdale failed drug tests following their fights at UFC 175 and The Ultimate Fighter Finale, respectively," the statement read. "Casey tested positive for drostanolone and Drysdale was flagged for an elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio. Both fighters have been temporarily suspended from competition and informed their positive tests 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 and will support the NSAC's determination pending a formal hearing at a later date.
Eccles confirmed that the state would be filing complaints against both fighters with suspensions and fines likely being levied in the coming days. Casey and Drysdale will then have the chance to file an appeal and appear before the commission at a future meeting where their fate will be decided.
