• UFC 157

UFC 'cuts Johnson' after failed drug test

Franklin McNeil
March 22, 2013
Lavar Johnson has lost out in his last two fights © Getty Images
Enlarge

Hard-hitting heavyweight Lavar Johnson was cut by UFC on Thursday, a person close to the situation told ESPN.com.

The decision comes hours after Johnson received a nine-month suspension from the California State Athletic Commission. MMAJunkie.com reported Johnson's suspension by the CSAC earlier on Thursday.

Johnson's release comes nearly a month after he failed a UFC 157 post-fight urine test. Shortly after the February 23 event, the CSAC revealed that Johnson had an elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio.

The commission later gave Johnson a Carbon Isotope Ratio exam, which confirmed the earlier test results. His T/E ratio was measured at 6.6-to-1.

During a recent meeting with CSAC officials, Johnson admitted undergoing Testosterone Replacement Therapy. However, he failed to disclose this information on his California State pre-fight medical questionnaire.

Johnson (17-7) exits UFC on a two-fight skid. He was 2-2 with the promotion.

At UFC 157, held in Anaheim, California, Johnson came out on the short end of a unanimous decision to Brendan Schaub. Throughout the three-round bout, Schaub repeatedly took Johnson to the ground and controlled the action.

This article first appeared on ESPN.com

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices