USADA hands Mirko Cro Cop 2-year suspension

The United States Anti-Doping Agency dropped the hammer on Mirko Cro Cop, but it's unlikely the PRIDE legend even cares.

The UFC's anti-doping partner handed Cro Cop a two-year suspension on Wednesday, after the since-retired heavyweight admitted to using human growth hormone following an out-of-competition drug test on Nov. 4.

The UFC released the following statement regarding the suspension:

UFC recognizes the two-year sanction issued today to Mirko Cro Cop by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) for violations of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy.

UFC secured the services of USADA, a third-party agency, earlier this year to administer its Anti-Doping Policy to ensure that all athletes compete on an even playing field, free of performance enhancing drugs. UFC appreciates Cro Cop’s disclosure and admission of usage of a prohibited substance, and supports the issuance of necessary sanctions to maintain a clean sport.

Cro Cop has subsequently announced his retirement from the sport after a storied career. UFC recognizes his accomplishments in the sport of mixed martial arts and wishes him well in future endeavors.

According to Cro Cop, he was taking growth hormones to help heal a shoulder injury that wasn't getting better through icing, rest, and therapy alone. The ailment caused him to pull out of an upcoming bout with Anthony Hamilton at UFC Fight Night 79, after which he decided to hang up his four ounce gloves for good.

Following his retirement announcement, the USADA made an announcement of their own, handing Cro Cop a provisional suspension for a potential doping violation.