Yet-to-debut UFC signee Azamat Murzakanov notified of potential doping violation

For a man nicknamed “The Professional,” things aren’t looking quite that way at the moment.

UFC officials today announced that undefeated Russian lightweight prospect Azamat Murzakanov (7-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) has been notified of a potential violation of the promotion’s anti-doping policy by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, which oversees the program.

“USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case involving Murzakanov,” the standard statement read. “Under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, there is a full and fair legal process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed. Additional information will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward.”

Murzakanov made his professional debut in 2010, though it would be 2015 before he returned to the cage. In seven contests to date, Murzakanov has scored seven stoppage wins, with six of them coming in the very first round.

Murzakanov was expected to debut at this past June’s UFC Fight Night 112 event, but he was pulled from the card and replaced by Dominick Reyes, who registered a devastating knockout win of Joachim Christensen on the card.

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.