IN SPITE OF the controversy which erupted this week surrounding a discarded urine sample, the Ultimate Fighting Championship is backing its featherweight title-holder Jose Aldo.
The Brazilian is due to defend his belt against Ireland’s Conor McGregor on 11 July, and Drug Free Sport director Ben Mosier visited Aldo’s Rio de Janeiro gym — Nova Uniao — for a random drug test on Thursday.
However, the urine sample was discarded when the Brazilian MMA Athletic Commission (CABMMA) and Brazilian police learned that Mosier wasn’t in possession of a visa to work in Brazil.
A WADA-affiliated Brazilian tester took another sample from Aldo on Friday but Mosier was there to observe their collecting process. The sample will be sent to a laboratory in Salt Lake City.
Today, the UFC released a statement on its Portuguese language website, expressing their support for Aldo and his coach Andre Pederneiras.
The statement reads: “The UFC has learned about the out-of-competition test, originally scheduled for Thursday, June 11, with Jose Aldo, by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
“Aldo has always been an exemplary athlete and a great champion for the UFC, and has proved it all this time. We affirm with authority that Aldo was made available to the test when requested by the Nevada Commission.
“Andre Pederneiras, the champion’s manager and coach, then received the tester in his gym in Rio de Janeiro, on Friday, when the test was officially done.
“The UFC declares unconditional support to featherweight champion Jose Aldo and reiterates its admiration for the Nevada Commission, for wanting to ensure a clean competition between athletes.”
