UFC newcomer Murzakanov flagged for potential anti-doping violation
Azamat Murzakanov's UFC stint has gotten off to a rocky start.
The light heavyweight has been flagged for a potential violation of the USADA's anti-doping policy related to an out-of-competition sample collected on Sep. 2, the promotion announced Monday.
As per protocol, the UFC's anti-doping partner did not reveal the nature of the illicit substance behind the flagged sample.
The development comes before Murzakanov could make his first walk to the Octagon. The undefeated Russian was scheduled to debut opposite Joachim Christensen at UFC Fight Night 112 in June, only to withdraw due to injury. He was replaced by Dominick Reyes.
Murzakanov was last seen dispatching Georgy Sakaev by first-round TKO under the Absolute Championship Berkut banner in April.