Sean Sheehan 
It’s another high profile drug test failure in 2015 for the UFC as lightweight contender Gilbert Melendez tested positive for exogenous origin of testosterone metabolites following his UFC 188 fight against Eddie Alvarez in Mexico City on June 13.
In an official statement the UFC said; “As a result of the positive test, Melendez has accepted a one-year suspension, effective from the date of the bout, for violating the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy and Promotional Agreement with Zuffa, LLC.”
“Regrettably, I tested positive in my post fight urine sample for UFC 188,” Melendez also said in the press release. “I did not inject anything, but I am responsible and accept the consequences for the results. I will make sure I am better educated about the products I use and their implications. Going forward I will ensure no products I use will contain banned substances. I am sincerely apologetic to everyone who supports me, including my fans, sponsors and the UFC. I value your trust and respect and will do everything in my power to keep it.”
Melendez will no longer compete as scheduled on July 15 against Al Iaquinta, for whom the UFC will seek out a new opponent.
