This previous November after Melendez was released from the UFC, he informed MMA Fighting that he was still weighing his options when choosing what came next for him. He wasnt particular if he d ever fight again, but it was still possible.
” Melendez, 38, tested positive for GHRP-6 and its metabolites GHRP-6( 2-5)- OH and GHRP-6( 2-6)- OH as the result of a urine sample collected out-of-competition on October 16, 2019,” USADA officials said in a declaration. “GHRP-6 is a non-Specified Substance in the class of Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances, and Mimetics, and is restricted at all times under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy and UFC Prohibited List.
According to the case keeps in mind from the arbitration hearings, Melendez asserted that USADA did not have jurisdiction to take a sample due to the fact that he had actually currently been released from his UFC agreement on Oct. 12.
Eventually the arbitrator ruled that any sanction provided by USADA “might just specifically prohibit him from completing in UFC” throughout his suspension. If another promo opts not to sign Melendez, or offer him fights up until after his suspension is completed, it is not “the item of an anticompetitive arrangement with the USADA.”
GHRP-6 is a growth hormone launching peptide, which is developed to increase the bodys natural production of development hormone. Retired UFC featherweight Chad Mendes was formerly suspended for 2 years when he evaluated positive for GHRP-6.
Under the terms of this judgment, Melendez is basically prohibited from completing in any UFC defend two years from the start of his suspension. That doesnt prevent him from signing with another organization, or being scheduled for a fight by a different promo.
That said, organizations outside the UFC can still pick to honor the suspension and it “does not constitute an illegal restraint” on Melendezs fighting profession.
” While Melendez did not object to the existence of GHRP-6 and its metabolites in his sample nor identify a source of the prohibited peptide, he did difficulty USADAs jurisdiction to perform the test. The arbitrator concluded that USADA did have jurisdiction to both conduct the test and allege an anti-doping policy offense in the event of a favorable sample, as was the case.”
The initial arbitration hearing keeps in mind stated that prior to Oct. 16, the date Melendezs sample was collected, the UFC had not informed USADA or Melendez that his contract had actually been ended. The UFC then followed up with a letter date on Nov. 6 that Melendez had actually been launched from the promotion.
” It would have to be something that makes sense for me, it needs to be fun, everything has to work out well, but its enjoyable to understand that Im complimentary and Im not locked down to anybody,” Melendez said. “If something actually cool comes my way, I can jump all over it.”
The initial arbitration ended by ruling against Melendezs objection and finding he was “under agreement” with the UFC on Oct. 16.
Melendezs suspension is retroactive to Nov. 1, 2019, suggesting hell be cleared on Nov. 1, 2021.
Previous title competitor Gilbert Melendez was launched from the UFC last year, however he will still face a two-year suspension as an outcome of a drug test taken prior to his exit from the promotion.
Melendez was then gotten rid of from the USADA testing program since Dec. 5, 2019.
As part of his argument against the suspension, Melendez likewise asserted that a USADA sanction would “breach his right to make a living outside the UFC with a completely brand-new battle organization.” To put it simply, he would still go through the two-year suspension even after he was launched from the UFC.
On Monday, the United States Anti-Doping Agency launched a statement validating that an independent arbitrator ruled in its favor with a two-year suspension bied far to Melendez following a positive drug test taken on Oct. 16, 2019.
