Mike King Suspended and UFC Contract Terminated for Positive Drug Test for Steroids

The Ultimate Fighter 19 middleweight Mike King has tested positive for performance enhancing drugs following his official Octagon debut.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship on Wednesday revealed that King tested positive for nandrolone, an anabolic steroid and banned substance, following his bout against Cathal Pendred at UFC Fight Night Dublin on July 19 in Ireland.

There is not an independent regulatory body in Ireland, so the UFC self-regulated the event. The promotion handed King a nine-month suspension and the stipulation that he must pass a drug test before he receives clearance to fight again.

King lost the fight to Pendred, but had found some solace in the fact that they earned Fight of the Night honors, which was accompanied by a $50,000 bonus for each fighter. Even that now is gone, however, as King had to forfeit the bonus because of the failed drug test.

“UFC middleweight Mike King tested positive for nandrolone following his bout against Cathal Pendred at UFC Fight Night Dublin: McGregor vs. Brandao on July 19, 2014,” read the UFC’s statement.

“He was informed 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. He agreed to serve a 9-month suspension retroactive to the event and must pass a drug test before receiving clearance to compete again. He will forfeit his $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus.”

Although UFC officials had not confirmed it at the time of publication, King issued a statement to MMAFighting.com on Wednesday, adding that the company had terminated his contract.