Rothwell flagged by USADA for potential doping violation

Heavyweight Ben Rothwell has been flagged by the USADA for a potential UFC anti-doping policy violation, the promotion announced Tuesday.

The UFC organization was formally notified today that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has informed Ben Rothwell of a potential anti-doping policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collection on February 6, 2017.

USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC anti-doping policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case. It is important to note that, under the UFC anti-doping policy, there is a full fair legal review process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed.

Consistent with all previous potential anti-doping violations, additional information or UFC statements will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward.

The 35-year-old was scheduled to face Fabricio Werdum at UFC 211 in Dallas on May 13, however he will now be provisionally suspended while the USADA conducts its investigation. The UFC has yet to announce if it will look for a new opponent for Werdum.

Rothwell (36-10) last fought in April 2016, losing to Junior dos Santos by unanimous decision in Croatia. He currently sits fifth in the UFC's heavyweight rankings.

The veteran heavyweight previously tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone in 2013 after a win over Brandon Vera at UFC 164 and received a nine-month suspension.