TORONTO - UFC middleweight Rousimar Palhares and light-heavyweight Joey (The Mexicutioner) Beltran have been suspended for nine months after failing drug tests, according to the UFC
"Rousimar Palhares tested positive for elevated testosterone and Joey Beltran tested positive for nandrolone, following their respective bouts at UFC on FX 6 in Australia," the UFC said in a statement Thursday.
"The UFC organization has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance-enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents. Both athletes have agreed to serve a nine-month suspension retroactive to Dec. 14. They must pass a drug test upon completion of the suspension before receiving clearance to compete again."
Beltran said he did no wrong.
"Positive test. I am at fault for taking a supplement or perhaps combination of something that caused my test result. My team and I will seek the truth. I am sorry once again and truly apologize to the people that matter the most to me," Beltran said in a series of tweets Thursday evening.
"I can say without a shadow of a doubt I did not inject Nandrolone into my body," he added. "I am sorry to my family and friends for the shame this brought to any of you. I promise soon the whole story will be told and I will go through whatever is necessary to find the reason for this."
The 31-year-old California fighter defeated Igor Pokrajac on the Dec. 14 televised card in Australia. The win has been changed to a no contest.
Palhares, a 32-year-old Brazilian, was beaten by Hector Lombard.
