Kevin Casey apologizes for failed drug test at UFC 175

In the wake of his positive steroid test, UFC middleweight Kevin Casey has apologized to the promotion and Nevada regulators for his actions.

“I apologize to @UFC & the NSAC for my irresponsible action,” the 33-year-old fighter wrote today on Twitter. “I made a bad decision trying to cut weight. We are competing in a cleaner sport.”

After knocking out Bubba Bush in 61 seconds at this month’s UFC 175, Casey (9-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC) was flagged by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for the steroid drostanolone, which can help an athlete shed pounds in advance of a competition.

The positive test was Casey’s first offense. He is expected to appear before the commission later this year and faces the overturning of his win, fines, and a formal suspension. He is currently under temporary suspension pending the hearing.

A heavily muscled fighter, the Southern California native in July told Sherdog.com that he had “dramatically changed” his weight-cutting routine so as to not endanger his health. He said he strained his kidneys in advance of his fight against Josh Samman at The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale, which completed his stint on the reality show.

“The doctors really didn’t want to clear me,” Casey said. “I had to sign waivers for them to even let me fight.”

In a statement released late Wednesday, the UFC said it would honor the NSAC’s actions against Casey.

“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,” the statement read.

Word of Casey’s positive test came with a second failure stemming from the UFC’s International Fight Week. Robert Drysdale, who submitted Keith Berish at The Ultimate Fighter 19 Finale, was flagged for a testosterone-to-epitestosterone (T/E) ratio of 12-to-1, which is double the limit allowed by the NSAC. He has also been temporarily suspended pending an appeal.

Asked for comment on Wednesday about his elevated T/E ratio, Drysdale (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) said via text, “What elevated testosterone?” and then asked, “Where did you get that from?” before suspending further communication.

For complete coverage of UFC 175 and The Ultimate Fighter 19 Finale, check out the UFC Events section of the site.