Nästan en månad efter UFC on FX 6: Sotiropoulos vs. Pearson framkom det att den brasilianske benlås-specialisten Rousimar ”Toquinho” Palhares (14-5) hade förhöjda värden av testosteron när han gick match mot Hector Lombard på galan. UFC beslutade att övertrampet skulle straffas med avstängning i nio månader.
Palhares har nu uttalat sig om provresultatet och menar att han inte medvetet försökt använda otillåtna preparat.
”I’ve always been extremely regimented with my diet and would not use anything that could harm my body or my performance inside the octagon,” säger Palhares till MMAjunkie. ”And it wasn’t different this time. I never had the intention to cheat. I’ve got almost 30 fights in my career, most of them in the UFC. I have been subjected to several surprise tests, and there was never anything wrong. Besides, I knew that I would be tested after the fight in Australia because it is standard in the UFC. I have a clear conscience, but accepted the punishment. The rules are there for everyone and must be followed.”
”I consulted with my doctor, and he will go over all food supplements used in my preparation for the fight and the test results. I want to know exactly what happened that made the testosterone rate unusual in my body.”.
Även tränare Murilo Bustamante från Brazilian Top Team, som en gång i tiden var UFC:s mellanviktsmästare, har uttalat sig i stöd för sin adept.
”’Toquinho’ is one of the most rigorous with food, fitness and everything that involves his profession, but if he was accused of something wrong, it is because at some point there was a lapse,” menar Bustamante. ”So, this story has to be an example for all other fighters. There must be more care with everything that is eaten. The exams are increasingly strict; hence, the concern with food and supplements must also be greater.”
Då Palhares förlorade matchen mot Lombard kommer matchresultatet inte att ändras.
