Augusto Mendes Pulled From Upcoming Fight After Being Flagged for Potential Doping Violation

Bantamweight fighter Augusto Mendes has been pulled from his upcoming bout at UFC Fight Night in Atlantic City on April 21 after an out-of-competition drug test was flagged by USADA.

According to UFC officials, Mendes had a sample taken on March 7 that was flagged as a potential doping violation and due to the close proximity to his upcoming fight on April 21, the promotion pulled him for the event.

Mendes’ opponent Merab Dvalishvili will remain on the card as the UFC begins the search for a replacement opponent.

Through his three fights thus far in the UFC, Mendes has gone 1-2 and he was looking to bounce back from a loss against Aljamain Sterling in his last trip to the Octagon but it appears he’s going to have to wait until his situation with USADA is resolved before he can return.

The Brazilian born submission specialist will remain on provisional suspension while dealing with USADA over the drug test that was flagged.