UFC light heavyweight Abdul-Kerim Edilov fails USADA test before making octagon debut

UFC officials today announced that light heavyweight signee Abdul-Kerim Edilov (16-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC) has been notified of a potential anti-doping policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition test.

As is traditional with such announcements, the UFC declined further comment and stated only that the United States Anti-Doping Agency, who administers the UFC’s drug testing program, will handle the situation moving forward.

“USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case,” the statement read. “It is important to note that, 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.”

Edilov was expected to make his UFC debut at this past month’s UFC Fight Night 81 event. Stepping in on short notice and boasting a 10-fight winning streak – with all 10 of those victories coming by first-round stoppage – Edilov was slated to face Brazilian Francimar Barroso. However a knee injury forced Edilov to withdraw from the card, and Elvis Mutapcic took his place, ultimately losing a lackluster decision to Barroso.

In all, the Russian has 15 of his 16 career wins by stoppage with eight knockouts and seven submissions.

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.