THE FIGHTER BEATEN by Ireland’s Cathal Pendred at the O2 last month has been handed a nine-month suspension by UFC chiefs.
Mike King tested positive for the anabolic steroid nandrolone after this UFC Fight Night defeat in Dublin.
Pendred and King were awarded a $50,000 fight of the night bonus after the Dublin recovered from a poor first round to take a dramatic win.
King has now forfeited that money.
“The consequences for my conduct are truly significant: the life changing $50,000 Fight of The Night bonus I was awarded has been taken away, I have been informed that my UFC promotional agreement is being terminated, I have been placed on a nine month suspension, and I have publicly humiliated myself,” the fighter says in a statement.
“I accept full responsibility for my actions and decisions and make no excuses. I want to apologise to my opponent and friend Cathal Pendred, the UFC, Dana White, Lorenzo Fertitta, coaches, team mates, management, friends, family, and most importantly my fans.
“I believe in the power of redemption and second chances. I will work tirelessly to prove I am a trustworthy person who deserves the honor of competing at the highest level in the sport I love.
A UFC statement reads: “The UFC has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance-enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents by our athletes. [King] agreed to serve a 9-month suspension retroactive to the event and must pass a drug test before receiving clearance to compete again.”
