USADA, Yoel Romero confirm failed drug test

Both Yoel Romero and the United States Anti-Doping Association have made public statements about Romero's potential anti-doping violation, and his possible punishment.

Romero and his manager Malki Kawa spoke to Ariel Helwani on "The MMA Hour" on Monday. They acknowledged that Romero unknowingly ingested a banned substance and suggested that the USADA be lenient with their punishment.

"I think it's my responsibility when I take something," said Romero, as transcribed by Marc Raimondi of MMAFighting.com. "But I think maybe a public warning (would be a fair punishment). I don't know ... Nobody knows. When you see the supplement, outside it says it's clean, you can take it."

In response, the USADA issued their own statement in an email to MMAjunkie.com.

"Given that Mr. Romero has publicly discussed his case, we can confirm that he did test positive for a prohibited substance," wrote USADA rep Ryan Madden. "At this time we are investigating the circumstances surrounding his positive test to determine the appropriate outcome, in accordance with the rules.

"It is also important to remember that there is a full and fair legal process to handle the adjudication of any case, and all athletes are provided full due process before any decision is reached."

In a worst-case scenario, Romero could be suspended for a maximum of two years for his first violation.

Even if Romero avoids a suspension, the violation likely cost him a shot at facing Luke Rockhold for the UFC middleweight championship. Rockhold will instead battle Chris Weidman in a championship rematch this June.