Carlos Felipe, Zviad Lazishvili Suspended by Nevada Commission for Failed Drug Tests

The Nevada State Athletic Commission on Tuesday handed out sanctions to UFC fighters Carlos Felipe and Zviad Lazishvili for failed drug tests in relation to their respective bouts.

Felipe tested positive for the anabolic agent Boldenone and its metabolites in relation to a unanimous decision loss to Andrei Arlovski at UFC Fight Night 195 on Oct. 16. As a result, he was fined 15% of his $28,000 purse, which amounts to $4,200 -- as well as $489 in attorney’s fees. Felipe was also suspended 18 months, meaning he is eligible to return on April 16, 2023.

Felipe’s attorney told MMAFighting.com that the heavyweight denies using a banned substance but agreed to the sanctions because he doesn’t want to pay what could amount to more than $10,000 for defense fees and additional testing.

Meanwhile, Lazishvili was suspended for nine months after testing positive for the estrogen blocker clomiphene in relation to his Octagon debut against Jonathan Martinez at UFC Fight Night 196 on Oct. 23. Lazishvili, who lost a unanimous decision, was fined 15% of his $12,8000 purse ($1,800) and also must pay $326 in legal fees.

The suspension is retroactive to Lazishvili’s positive test, so the Legacy Fighting Alliance veteran will be able to return to action on July 24.