PunchDrunkGamer.com - UFC, MMA, Kickboxing, Glory, Xbox One, Video Games, PS4, PC and Entertainment Forums

UFC Releases Matt Riddle After 2nd Positive Test for Marijuana


UFC welterweight Matt Riddle has run afoul of the promotion's drug testing for a second time after his most recent fight in England at UFC on Fuel TV 7.

According to Riddle in a statement released to MMAJunkie.com, the former Ultimate Fighter competitor tested positive for marijuana following his fight with Che Mills just weeks ago in the U.K.

The UFC opted to release Riddle following his second infraction with the drug testing protocols.

Because England has no athletic commission to oversee mixed martial arts in the country, the UFC heads up their own drug testing program led by Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Marc Ratner.

The first time Riddle tested positive was following his UFC 149 fight against Chris Clements, which he won at the time, but due to the drug test result the victory was changed to a no-contest by the Calgary Combative Sports Commission.

Riddle is a legal user of medical marijuana in the state of Nevada where he resides, but unfortunately the drug remains on the banned substances list for athletes.

In past interviews, Riddle has argued for the legalization for his of medical marijuana, but as long as the drug remains a banned substance, he cannot test positive for it.

"I deal with it, and honestly I'm an advocate for it. I think it should be legal," said Riddle just after his fight with Mills in England.


Here is the rest - http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1545 ... -marijuana

Zuffa, LLC, owner of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, released the following statement today regarding UFC welterweight Matt Riddle:


Matthew Riddle tested positive for marijuana metabolites following his bout at UFC on FUEL TV 7 in London, England on February 16, 2013. This is Riddle’s second failed drug test for marijuana within the past seven months. Riddle previously failed a post-fight drug test due to marijuana following his UFC 149 victory over Chris Clements.

As such, the UFC organization is exercising its right to terminate Riddle for breach of his obligations under his Promotional Agreement as well as the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy. The UFC organization has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance-enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents. The outcome of the bout against Che Mills was changed to a no contest and the results of the positive test will be reported to the official Association of Boxing Commissions MMA record-keeper.