Alistair Overeem Breaks His Silence: Explains Why He Tested Positive for Elevated Testosterone

For the first time since a drug test revealed elevated levels of testosterone, UFC heavyweight Alistair Overeem has broken his silence with a statement explaining what went wrong.

Overeem is set to appear in front of the Nevada State Athletic Commission on Tuesday to answer for a drug test that revealed a 14 to 1 ratio of testosterone to epitestosterone. A regular human has a 1 to 1 ratio, and the Nevada Commission will allow an athlete to have a level of up to 6 to 1 before sending a red flag in testing.

Late last week, Overeem was pulled from his title fight against Junior Dos Santos at UFC 146 and replaced by former heavyweight champion Frank Mir.

Now for the first time since the testing happened, Overeem has revealed why he tested positive and apologizes for the reason behind it.

“To my friends and fans,

I am deeply saddened to announce that on Friday, April 20, I respectfully withdrew from the May 26 event so that I can request a continuance until my situation with the Nevada State Athletic Commission is resolved.

I cannot express how sorry I am to the Commission, Junior Dos Santos, the fans, the owners and employees of the UFC, my friends and family and anyone else who this has affected.

I absolutely do not believe in, nor do I use performance-enhancing drugs. I am a clean fighter and I will do whatever it takes to prove this to everyone.

Prior to the UFC 146 press conference in March, I aggravated an old rib injury on my left side. My doctor prescribed, and I accepted, an anti-inflammatory medication that was mixed with testosterone. I was completely unaware that testosterone was one of the ingredients in the medication. Although I was unaware, I do realize it is my job to know what I am putting into my body.

I respect the Nevada Commissioners and Executive Director Keith Kizer and what they are doing to keep the sport of mixed martial arts regulated and safe for athletes. I look forward to working with them in the days and weeks ahead.

Friends and fans, I ask for your patience as I work through this matter. Please support me. I promise to return to the Octagon soon.”

The statement was issued by Overeem’s management at Authentic Sports Management on Monday.

While the statement does admit why Overeem tested positive for the elevated levels of testosterone, the final judgment for the transgression will be handed down from the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

While technically Overeem was not licensed in the state at the time of the testing so he cannot be suspended by the commission, they can choose to deny his fight license, which would mean he could not reapply in Nevada for one year.

UFC President Dana White confirmed over the weekend during UFC 145 that if Overeem is denied his license by the commission, they would honor the ruling as well and not allow Overeem to fight in another state or area either.

Now Overeem will wait to appear before the commission on Tuesday to wait for the final verdict and find out his fate for at least the next year in the MMA industry.

UPDATE: Overeem’s manager Glenn Robinson from Authentic Sports Management confirmed that the former K-1 Grand Prix champion will still appear before the Nevada State Athletic Commission for the hearing scheduled for Tuesday, April 24.

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