British Columbia athletic commissioner Dave Maedel has issued the following statement about drug testing results received following the UFC 174 match on June 14, 2014, at Rogers Arena in Vancouver:

“The focus of the BC Athletic Commission is to ensure fighter safety and maintain the integrity of the sport so athletes are competing on a level playing field.

“There were eight UFC 174 competitors tested on June 14, 2014, for the presence of banned substances, including the two flyweight title fighters and six random competitors. All competitors’ test results complied with World Anti-Doping Agency Standards subscribed to by the BC athletic commissioner, as well as our anti-doping policies.

“In addition to the June 14 tests, Mr. Ali Bagautinov - one of the two flyweight title fighters - was tested out of competition on June 2, 2014.

“Results received by this office from the June 2 tests on Mr. Bagautinov were positive for erythropoietin, or EPO - a substance banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency. These results were not available prior to the UFC 174 event due to lab processing times.

“Mr. Bagautinov lost his bid for the flyweight title to Demetrious Johnson.

“I have suspended Mr. Bagautinov’s licence to compete in British Columbia for a period of one year.”

The Province established the Office of the BC Athletic Commissioner in May 2013. The commissioner oversees the conduct of professional boxing and mixed martial arts as well as amateur mixed martial arts, kickboxing, muay thai and pankration events throughout the province of B.C.

The athletic commissioner is committed to the safety and integrity of combat sports in the province. Legislation guiding the athletic commissioner is the Athletic Commissioner Act. For further information, please see: http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/bcathleticcommission/

Media Contacts:

Office of the BC Athletic Commissioner
250 888-1462