After drug tests, Fukuda cites cold medicine, Caceres 'accepts responsibility'

Following Wednesday’s news that both fighters failed drug tests earlier this month at UFC on FUEL TV 8 in Japan, both Riki Fukuda and Alex Caceres have released statements.

Fukuda said over-the-counter cold medication prompted his failed test for banned stimulants, and Caceres said he takes “full responsibility” for failing his test due to marijuana metabolites.

The UFC ultimately cut Fukuda (19-7 MMA, 2-3 UFC), who suffered a decision loss to Brad Tavares at the March 3 event, and suspended Caceres (8-5 MMA, 2-3 UFC), whose split-decision victory over Kyung Ho Kang was overturned to a no-contest, for six months.

Caceres must also undergo drug-rehabilitation classes and pass a drug test before he’s reinstated.

“I accept full responsibility for my actions and the consequences from those actions,” Caceres stated in a release sent to MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). “I apologize to all that I have disappointed, including the UFC, my family, coaches, training partners and fans. I accept the sanctions from the UFC, and I look forward to completing the necessary steps to getting back in the octagon following the suspension and assuring that this never happens again.”

Fukuda, who was flagged for phenylpropanolamine, norpseudoephedrine and ephedrine, took to Twitter to apologize and thank fans for their support. The Japanese fighter said he took cold medicine a few weeks before the bout and forgot to disclose the use ahead of the test.

For complete coverage of UFC on FUEL TV 8, stay tuned to the UFC Events section of the site.

(Pictured: Riki Fukuda)