Overeem's Official Excuse
By Bleachers Report 23 April 2012
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Alistair Overeem Releases Statement Regarding His Elevated Testosterone Levels
The question of who would compete in the main event at UFC 146 was answered late on Friday night when UFC president Dana White tweeted that UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos would defend his title against Frank Mir instead of Alistair Overeem. Overeem’s spot on the fight card was jeopardized after a surprise drug test revealed that his testosterone to epitestosterone level was 14 to 1, far above the allowable limit of 6 to 1.
Following the test, Overeem applied for a license to fight on the May 26 card and was given a date of April 24 to meet with the Nevada State Athletic Commission to discuss that application.
On Monday, Overeem, through his management, Authentic Sports Management, released a statement to media outlets, which Bleacher Report received, discussing the test results and his removal from the UFC 146 main event:
Quote:
To my friends and fans,
I am deeply saddened to announce that on Friday, April 20, I respectfully withdrew from the May 26 event so that I can request a continuance until my situation with the Nevada State Athletic Commission is resolved.
I cannot express how sorry I am to the Commission, Junior Dos Santos, the fans, the owners and employees of the UFC, my friends and family and anyone else who this has affected.
I absolutely do not believe in, nor do I use performance-enhancing drugs. I am a clean fighter and I will do whatever it takes to prove this to everyone.
Prior to the UFC 146 press conference in March, I aggravated an old rib injury on my left side. My doctor prescribed, and I accepted, an anti-inflammatory medication that was mixed with testosterone. I was completely unaware that testosterone was one of the ingredients in the medication. Although I was unaware, I do realize it is my job to know what I am putting into my body.
I respect the Nevada Commissioners and Executive Director Keith Kizer and what they are doing to keep the sport of mixed martial arts regulated and safe for athletes. I look forward to working with them in the days and weeks ahead.
Friends and fans, I ask for your patience as I work through this matter. Please support me. I promise to return to the Octagon soon.
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Overeem’s fate now rests in the hands of the NSAC. Bleacher Report will have a report on Tuesday’s hearing.