Yoel Romero Faces Potential Anti-Doping Violation for Out-of-Competition Drug Test

UFC middleweight contender Yoel Romero faces a potential anti-doping violation for a failed out-of-competition drug test.

Romero was notified of the violation by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, which handles all drug testing for the Las Vegas-based promotion. The UFC released a statement on the matter Tuesday evening. It is currently unclear the substance for which Romero tested positive or the date of the test.

“USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case involving Romero,” the statement read. “Additional information will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward.”

Romero is the third fighter to be caught by USADA, as both Mirko Filipovic and Gleison Tibau were flagged for violations last year. The recently-retired Filipovic was suspended for two years prior to a scheduled bout against Anthony Hamilton at UFC Fight Night in South Korea; Tibau, who potentially failed both an in-competition and an out-of-competition drug test, has yet to receive his punishment.

The 38-year-old Romero has won seven straight fights in the Octagon. Most recently, he garnered a split-verdict over Ronaldo Souza at UFC 194 on Dec. 12 in a pivotal middleweight clash.