Report: Alexander Volkov Pulled from UFC St. Petersburg Due to Potential USADA Violation

В главном бою на турнире UFC в Санкт-Петербурге заменили участника.

Как это случилось:https://t.co/96xegFR84I

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— Матч ТВ (@MatchTV) April 3, 2019

Alexander Volkov was reportedly removed from his main event bout at UFC Fight Night 149 in April due to an alleged USADA violation.

According to Russian site Match TV late Wednesday, heavyweight Volkov (30-16-1) withdrew from his headliner battle against Alistair Overeem (44-17, 1 NC) at UFC Fight Night 149 in St. Petersburg, Russia, on April 20 due to an alleged and potential anti-doping violation. The site claimed, "As it became known to 'Match TV', the reason for removing the Russian from the [fight] was the violation of the [promotion's] anti-doping policy." In an official statement by the UFC on Wednesday, the promotion said differently, stating, "Due to health issues, Alexander Volkov has been forced to withdraw from his bout against Alistair Overeem on April 20."

Volkov last competed at UFC 229 in October, where he suffered a shocking come-from-behind knockout loss at the hands of Derrick Lewis with just 11 seconds left in their contest. Prior to that loss, Volkov was riding a six-fight win streak over the likes of Fabricio Werdum, Stefan Struve and Roy Nelson.

UFC Fight Night 149, also known as UFC on ESPN+ 7, will take place on April 20 at the Yubileyny Sports Complex in St. Petersburg, Russia. Headlining the event will be a heavyweight tilt between Alistair Overeem and Alexey Oleynik. Serving as the co-headliner will be Islam Makhachev facing off against the debuting Arman Tsarukyan.