UFC's Anti-Doping Specialist Debunks Star's Claim of Banned Substance Use
One of the most beloved veterans of the UFC roster is set to return to the octagon this Saturday in Las Vegas. However, recent developments have cast a shadow over his comeback.
Last week, Mohammed Usman was suspended until 2028 after testing positive for banned substances. The suspension was extended by six months due to his attempt to deceive the Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) agency with a false explanation.
Amidst this turmoil, a star of the upcoming UFC 324 event claimed to be in the "best shape of his life" heading into the promotion's first event of 2026. This statement raised eyebrows, prompting further investigation.
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Now that the Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes bout has been canceled, which UFC 324 fight are you most excited about? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Jeff Novitzky Clarifies Derrick Lewis' Comments
Derrick Lewis, known for his record-breaking knockouts in the UFC and his entertaining post-fight interviews, has been a fan favorite. However, his recent comments on a podcast have sparked controversy.
Lewis stated that the UFC had provided him with "some great peptides" to enhance his performance ahead of his fight against Waldo Cortes-Acosta on January 24. This claim was promptly addressed by Jeff Novitzky, the UFC's senior vice president of athlete health and performance.
Novitzky clarified on X (formerly Twitter) that peptides are banned under UFC and athletic commission rules. He explained that Derrick was referring to injectable compounds that are third-party tested and certified as allowed by TruShield Certified.
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Derrick Lewis, who has no history of failing drug tests while under the UFC's contract, prefers a different method of cheating. In a Q&A video, he revealed his favorite way to gain an advantage over his opponents.
"My favorite method of cheating is probably hitting them in the nuts," Lewis said with a laugh. "Eye pokes too. Every now and then, you gotta get them with an eye poke. It's not a big deal."
Lewis explained that while these actions might result in warnings, he can always claim innocence. "They'll give you a warning," he continued. "Poke them in the eye, hit them in the nuts. The first time will be a warning. The second time, they might take a point, but I'll just say, 'That was an accident.'"
As the debate surrounding these controversial statements continues, fans are eagerly awaiting the upcoming UFC 324 event, hoping for an exciting and fair competition.
