Gastelum Suspended Following Second USADA Violation

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Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight contender Kelvin Gastelum has been suspended by United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) for flunking an in-competition drug test at the UFC 244 pay-per-view (PPV) event last November in New York.

Gastelum, 28, tested positive for marijuana metabolites (Carboxy-THC), considered a substance of abuse, but saw his nine-month timeout reduced to just five months after completing a drug treatment program. His UFC 244 bout ended in defeat to former welterweight Darren Till, so the result remains unchanged.

This marks the second time Gastelum (15-5, 1 NC) has been suspended for pot. The first occurred at UFC Fight Night 106 back in early 2017, when those pesky marijuana metabolites changed his Vitor Belfort victory to a “No Contest.”

“As you all can tell by the news, I have accepted full responsibility and have already moved forward,” Gastelum wrote on Twitter. “I am on to my next opponent.”

Speaking of next opponents …