UFC Middleweight Cung Le Suspended After Testing Positive for HGH

Cung Le was uncertain about his future in MMA. The UFC might have just made the decision for him.

In a statement released late Wednesday, UFC officials announced that the 42-year-old former Strikeforce champion tested positive for excessive human growth hormone (HGH) following his August 23 TKO defeat to Michael Bisping at UFC Fight Night 48, and as a result, he will be suspended nine months by the promotion.

UPDATE: Thursday, Oct. 2 at 2:30 p.m. EST: 

Cung Le has issued a public statement on his failed drug test emphasizing he did not take any performance-enhancing drugs or anything that would cause his natural level of hGH to exceed normal levels. He states that he is 'completely surprised' at failed tests, and calls the testing procedures into question. 

MMAJunkie.com has the full transcript of his statement. 

--End Of Update--

The full text of the statement reads as follows:

"

UFC middleweight Cung Le tested positive for an excess level of Human Growth Hormone in his system following his fight at UFC Fight Night in Macao, China on August 23. Due to his positive test result, Le was suspended by the UFC and notified that he violated the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy and Promotional Agreement with Zuffa, LLC. The UFC has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance-enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents by our athletes. Le will serve a nine-month suspension and, at its conclusion, will need to pass a drug test before competing in the UFC again.

"

Victor Fraile/Getty Images

Le (9-3) had previously been the subject of widespread speculation—some of it mocking—over whether his training regimen was entirely above board. In the run-up to his fight with Bisping, Le posted a photo of himself looking more ripped than he had ever looked before. When questioned about the photo, Le said the overly muscular appearance was just a trick of the lighting, per MMAjunkie.

It seems the UFC might not have believed him, as they announced an enhanced drug-testing effort around the event shortly after the photo kerfuffle, according to Mike Drahota of LowKick. That enhanced effort was successful.

Regardless, Le was badly beaten by Bisping at UFC Fight Night 48, his face bloodied and one eye swollen shut when the contest was finally, mercifully halted. In the cage after the loss, Le was noncommittal about his fighting future, telling broadcaster Kenny Florian he wanted to "take a vacation" and "talk to my family" before making any decisions.

Given the nine-month suspension—not to mention the bad loss he suffered against Bisping—he may no longer have those luxuries.