Tavares (photo via UFC.com)

By FCF Staff

UFC President Dana White denied recent rumors that Vitor Belfort had tested positive for a performance enhancing drug, following his win over Michael Bisping on January 19th, and today the promotion announced that Thiago Tavares is the fighter who has failed his post-fight drug test.

According to a press release by the promotion, Tavares has allegedly tested positive for the anabolic steroid Drostanolone, after being stopped by Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC on FX 7. The lightweight has been suspended for nine months as a result.

The recent UFC on FX 7 card was overseen by the newly created Brazilian MMA Athletic Commission, and independent drug testing was funded by the UFC.

Due the recent rumors regarding Belfort, the UFC has also announced that the fighter had received clearance for testosterone replacement therapy heading into the bout, and that the vet has been undergoing treatment via the oversight of a Nevada physician. Belfort was cleared for TRT after being diagnosed with hypogonadism (low testosterone).

The January 19th, UFC on FX 7 card took place in Sao Paulo, Brazil.