Tom Lawlor put on UFC suspension due to potential USADA violation
This story was updated on Friday morning EST.
UFC light heavyweight Tom Lawlor was put on a provisional suspension Thursday by UFC due to a potential USADA violation from an out-of-competition drug test taken on October 10th.
Lawlor, a regular guest on our audio shows, has been a UFC regular since his 2008 run on The Ultimate Fighter reality show in 2008. He has a career 10-6-0-1 record and was last seen dropping a close decision loss to Corey Anderson on March 5th.
Before that, the 33-year-old was ranked in the top 15 in the light heavyweight division after coming off a knockout win over Gian Villante, his first match after missing two years due to knee surgery.
He had been out of action due to a training injury, and did not have a current fight scheduled.
Lawlor declined to comment until he speaks more with UFC personnel on Friday.
From the UFC:
“USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC anti-doping policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case.
It is important to note that, under UFC anti-doping policy, there is a full fair legal review process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed.
Consistent with all previous potential anti-doping violations, additional information or UFC statements will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward.”
Dave Meltzer is the founder and lead writer on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the weekly constant when it comes to news and reviews in pro wrestling and mixed martial arts for more than 40 years. Dave also co-hosts Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and had had bylines for The National, Yahoo Sports, MMA Fighting and others.