Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Recently the UFC announced that Antonio Rogerio Nogueira will no longer compete at UFC on FOX 26, due to a potential anti-doping violation, and the renowned fighter has released a statement.

Nogueira was scheduled to fight Jared Cannonier at the December 16th event in Winnipeg.

The UFC’s statement, as well as a translated version of Nogueira’s (via MMA Fighting), follow below.

The UFC organization was notified today that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has informed Antonio Rogerio Nogueira of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collected on September 27, 2017. Due to the proximity of Nogueira’s upcoming scheduled bout at UFC FIGHT NIGHT: LAWLER vs. DOS ANJOS in Winnipeg, Canada on December 16, 2017 against Jared Cannonier, Nogueira has been removed from the card and the UFC is currently seeking a replacement.

USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case involving Nogueira. 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.

Nogueiara’s translated statement from Instagram:

Students, fans, friends, family: to all who are always by my side, I am here to share with you that today I was surprised by USADA (anti-doping control organization) that a diuretic substance appeared in my exams.

I am here to try to clarify because we do not yet have all the explanations, but from now on we will investigate this situation in depth. I have told all of you that I am confident in my defense and we will find out what happened.

I have never needed to take a diuretic and everyone who accompanies me mainly my coaches know that I never had any difficulties to lose weight and this is the function of the diuretic.

As soon as the UFC schedules my fight I will start a process of diet and training precisely so that at the end of my camp I won’t suffer with weight loss.

It is very difficult going through this for me as I have always been honest and especially with my work which I have dedicated myself and continue to dedicate myself as it’s my passion. Because of this unfortunately my fight was canceled and I was very sad about it all but I hope as soon as possible to clarify this misunderstanding and give you all a spectacular fight.

Thank you all for your support and respect for me.