UFC cuts Lavar Johnson following failed drug test, UFC 157 loss

On the heels of a nine-month suspension, heavyweight Lavar Johnson (17-7 MMA, 2-2 UFC) has been cut by the UFC.

MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) today confirmed the news with a source close to the fighter.

Johnson leaves the octagon with a 2-2 record, which included back-to-back losses in his most recent fights.

Johnson, who trains with the American Kickboxing Academy, flunked a drug test following a fight with Brendan Schaub at UFC 157, which ended in a unanimous decision loss. An elevated testestosterone-to-epitestosterone (T/E) ratio of 6.6-to-1 triggered a carbon isotope ratio (CIR) test that confirmed Johnson had testosterone in his system that was “was consistent with the administration of a steroid.”

Johnson, though, admitted he was undergoing testosterone replacement therapy in a recent conversation with the California State Athletic Commission, which oversaw the Feb. 23 pay-per-view event at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., and suspended him based on the results of his test.

Johnson failed to disclose TRT on a pre-fight medical questionnaire. A rep for AKA said the fighter may seek an exemption for the treatment.

The hard-swinging heavyweight won back-to-back “Knockout of the Night” bonuses in his first UFC appearances, but struggled with his grappling in subsequent bouts. Prior to his octagon debut, Johnson went 3-2 in the now-defunct Strikeforce, falling prey to submissions in his last two performances.

Fifteen of Johnson’s wins have come by way of stoppage due to strikes.

For complete coverage of UFC 157, check out the UFC Events section of the site.