Welterweight Li Jingliang Notified of Potential Anti-Doping Violation

Chinese welterweight Li Jingliang was notified by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency of a potential policy violation stemming from his July 8 fight against Anton Zafir on The Ultimate Fighter 23 preliminary card.

“The UFC organization was notified by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) that it has informed Li Jingliang of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collection on May 18, 2016,” read a statement released by the UFC on Tuesday.

“USADA also informed the UFC that it initiated an investigation into the source of the prohibited substance detected in Jingliang’s sample prior to notifying him of the potential violation. Because of this investigation, USADA has not issued a provisional suspension against Jingliang at this time.”

TRENDING >Brock Lesnar’s Temporary Suspension Extended; Prohibited Substances Revealed

While not given a provisional suspension by USADA, the matter is now in the hands of the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

“USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case. It is important to note that, under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, a full and fair legal review process is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed. The Nevada State Athletic Commission has also retained jurisdiction over this matter because Jingliang’s sample was collected prior to his participation on The Ultimate Fighter Finale card on July 8, 2016, in Las Vegas, Nevada,” the UFC statement read.

“Consistent with all previous potential anti-doping violations, additional information will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward.”

Jingliang, a five-fight UFC veteran, defeated Zafir by knockout. It’s unclear whether the win will remain on his record or be overturned to a No Contest.

Follow MMAWeekly.com on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram