UFC heavyweight contender Ben Rothwell has been flagged by the United States Anti-Doping Agency over a potential anti-doping violation stemming from a sample took on February 6, the UFC announced on Tuesday. Believed to be a failed drug test, no substance has been named by the UFC or USADA as of yet. The substance will be revealed once the investigation is completed should Rothwell not confess.
This would mark the second time that Rothwell is suspended by the UFC after his failed drug test in 2013 led to the Wisconsin native receiving a nine-month suspension after increased levels of testosterone were found in an in-competition sample surrounding his UFC 164 clash with Brandon Vera. However, he was not suspended by the Wisconsin Athletic Commission. This offence may work against Rothwell should the USADA discover he is guilty of the alleged violation, increasing the length of his ban.
The 35-year-old’s fight with Fabricio Werdum, is scheduled for UFC 211 on May 13 in Dallas, is in jeopardy with Rothwell being suspended pending USADA’s investigation. After his loss to Junior Dos Santos on April 10 2016, the heavyweight contender was aiming to get back to winning ways after a long time outside of the octagon.
Should the fight with Werdum not go ahead, we may see yet another clash cancelled and disappointment for the fans. Coming towards the end of his career, a lengthy suspension for the American could spell the end of what has been a successful and eventful career for the 263lb wrecking ball.
