MMAJunkie is reporting that Matt Riddle and Francisco Rivera both received a 90 day suspension for testing positive for banned substances. The two fought in Calgary back on July 21 at UFC 149. While the Calgary Combative Sports Commission would not comment it is being reported that the suspensions will be retro-active and both would be eligible to fight again now. Welterweight Matt Riddle reportedly tested positive for marijuana and Bantamweight Francisco Rivera tested positive for a banned stimulant.
MMA Fighting reportedly saw a tweet from Rivera addressing the situation and saying his result came through a pre-workout drink named “1MR” that contained an ingredient that was unbeknown to him, banned in Canada. The tweet is no longer on his page but one is there from Dizz at TalkMMA who interviewed him saying that he “…didn’t take any type of anabolic enhancer, it was a pre-work out[sic].”
Riddle took home the submission of the night with his third round arm triangle of Chris Clements and Francisco Rivera defeated Roland Delorme in the first round by knock out.
Zuffa who is the owner of the UFC released the following statement yesterday regarding the situation:
“We’ve been informed by the Calgary Combative Sports Commission that Matt Riddle and Francisco Rivera tested positive for banned substance following their bouts at UFC 149. UFC has a strict, consistent policy against the use of banned drugs and performance-enhancing stimulants, including the requirement that all incoming athletes be tested and cleared. Therefore, we fully support the drug testing efforts of the Calgary Combative Sports Commission and will fully cooperate with the Commission regarding this matter.”
