Mirko Cro Cop passes first drug test ahead of Bellator 200

Former PRIDE champion and MMA legend Mirko Cro Cop has passed his first drug test under the Bellator banner, clearing the way for his rematch with Roy Nelson at Bellator 200.

As expected, Cro Cop (36-11-2 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) was tested in early April by Michael Mazzulli, who serves as president of both the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation (MTDAR) and the Association of Boxing Commissions and regulates Bellator events overseas.

Mazzulli today told MMAjunkie that Cro Cop was tested via urine, and his sample was analyzed at a Quest Diagnostics facility back in the U.S. The sample tested negative for performance enhancers and drugs of abuse.

Cro Cop, 43, faced additional scrutiny for a previous anti-doping violation while under the UFC’s anti-doping program. In November 2015, after pulling out of a fight against Anthony Hamilton at UFC Fight Night 79, he admitted to the use of growth hormone and was given a two-year suspension despite testing negative for the banned substance prior to the competition.

Cro Cop blasted USADA’s decision and shortly after retired from competition, only to return to the ring to compete and win a Rizin FF tournament.

Mazzulli told MMAjunkie that Cro Cop would be subject to drug testing as soon as he was licensed for the bout with Nelson (23-15 MMA, 1-1 BMMA), which takes place May 25 at The SSE Arena in London and airs on Paramount. Additionally, Mazzulli told MMAFighting.com he would test Cro Cop himself in connection with his job regulating Bellator 196 on April 6 in Hungary.

Mazzulli indicated that as long a sCro Cop passes his drug tests in connection with Bellator 200, his past with USADA won’t keep him from the Bellator cage.

“The last thing I want to do is adversely affect a guy’s career,” Mazzulli said. “There’s only so many years they have the ability to earn. In my opinion, and in the Mohegan Tribe’s opinion, 2015 was three years ago, so it’s time to allow him to fight and make a living.”

Cro Cop and Nelson already have engaged in some heated trash-talk over PED use, with Nelson accusing “Cro Cop” of being on “special supplements.”

For more on Bellator 200, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.