Cung Le tests positive for HGH at UFC Fight Night Macao

Former Strikeforce middleweight champion Cung Le tested positive for excess levels of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) in a post-fight drug test following his fourth-round TKO loss to Michael Bisping at UFC Fight Night 48, promotion officials announced on Tuesday.

Le (9-3) is expected to serve a nine-month suspension retroactive to the day of the event, August 23, as a result of the failed test.

UFC officials released the following statement:

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.

As with most UFC events held overseas, all pre- and post-fight drug tests at UFC Fight Night 48 were conducted by the UFC itself. In the case of UFC Fight Night 48, both Bisping and Le were subject to enhanced blood and urine drug testing following their fight.

Throughout the lead-up to fight week, Bisping expressed repeated concern over the enhanced physical appearance of the 42-year-old Le.