UFC 199: BJ Penn Pulled From Card After Disclosing IV Use
By FCF Staff
BJ Penn’s Octagon return will not take place on June 4th as expected, as the UFC’s announced the legend’s been pulled from the card, due to a potential anti-doping violation.
Penn was scheduled to fight Cole Miller at UFC 199, but according to a statement from the UFC, the fighter is believed to have violated USADA’s rules on IV use. The full statement is below:
“The UFC organization was notified today that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) informed BJ Penn of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation. Penn disclosed the usage of a prohibited method – the use of an IV in excess of 50 ML in a six-hour period – during a March 25, 2016, out-of-competition sample collection. In accordance with the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, Penn has received a provisional suspension, and has been removed from his scheduled bout against Cole Miller on June 4 in Los Angeles.
“UFC will announce a replacement opponent for Miller shortly, and additional information will be provided by USADA and UFC at the appropriate time as the process involving Penn moves forward.”
Penn hasn’t fought since 2014 when he was stopped by Frankie Edgar. UFC 199 will be hosted by the Forum in Inglewood, California.