Middleweight contender Mike King (pictured above) has been released from the UFC and banned from competition for nine months following a failed drug test that produced a positive result for anabolic steroid Nandrolone.
The result comes following King’s ‘Fight of the Night’ performance against fellow TUF 19 contestant Cathal Pendred (pictured below) at UFC Fight Night: McGregor vs Brandao at The O2 in Dublin on July 19. King (5-1) battered the Irishman in front of his home town fans before Pendred (14-2) rallied back in the second round to claim victory by way of technical submission; rendering the American unconscious with a Rear-Naked Choke.
King must now forfeit the $50,000 purse bonus of which both fighters were awarded following the bout. Furthermore, it’s likely that Pendred will now receive his opponent’s half of the $100,000 bonus money.
King released the following statement to MMAFighting.com:
Following my bout against Cathal Pendred at UFC Fight Night Dublin: McGregor vs. Brandao on July 19, 2014 I tested positive for the banned substance Nandrolone.
The consequences for my conduct are truly significant: the life changing $50,000 Fight of The Night bonus I was awarded has been taken away, I have been informed that my UFC promotional agreement is being terminated, I have been placed on a nine month suspension, and I have publicly humiliated myself.
I accept full responsibility for my actions and decisions and make no excuses.
I want to apologize to my opponent and friend Cathal Pendred, the UFC, Dana White, Lorenzo Fertitta, coaches, team mates, management, friends, family, and most importantly my fans.
I believe in the power of redemption and second chances. I will work tirelessly to prove I am a trustworthy person who deserves the honor of competing at the highest level in the sport I love.
Respectfully,
Mike King
Photos by Jorden Curran
