Junior dos Santos flagged by USADA for potential violation, out of UFC 215

Former UFC heavyweight champ Junior dos Santos is the latest fighter to be flagged by USADA.

A former champion and current top UFC heavyweight is the latest to be flagged by USADA.

Junior dos Santos tested positive for an unknown banned substance in an out-of-competition test administered by USADA, the UFC’s anti-doping partner, on Aug. 10. The Brazilian was subsequently informed of a potential violation, the UFC announced Friday afternoon in a statement.

“Under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, there is a full and fair legal process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed. Additional information will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward,” the statement read.

Dos Santos was scheduled to meet rising star Francis Ngannou on the UFC 215 main card in Edmonton on Sept. 9, but because of the potential violation, he has been pulled from the fight. The organization is currently seeking a replacement opponent to fight Ngannou.

Ngannou reacted to the bout cancellation on social media Friday.

Dos Santos is coming off a knockout loss to current titleholder Stipe Miocic at UFC 211 in May.