UFC Champions Islam Makhachev And Tennis Legends Maria Sharapova It Turns Out That They Have The Same Thing
JAKARTA - Islam Makhachev (31) became the new UFC lightweight champion on Saturday after beating Charles Oliveira in Abu Dhabi.
However, if you recall the incident six years ago, the Russian fighter would certainly be upset.
At that time, the results of the Dagestan man's doping test were positive for the prohibited meldonium. No doubt, his fight plan with Dober's face was canceled.
"After a thorough review of the case, USADA concluded that the very low concentration of meldonium in the athlete's urine samples, combined with an explanation of the athlete's use, was consistent with consumption before the substance was officially banned on January 1, 2016," a US Anti-Doping Agency statement, USADA reads.
"Based on the latest guidance offered by WADA on June 30, 2016, for cases involving meldonium, Makhachev will face no unqualified period for his positive test."
Makhachev was finally freed from mistakes by USADA after less than six months.
Meanwhile, Russian tennis legend Maria Sharapova also tested positive for using a banned substance in the same year. The difference is, Sharapova was punished more severely than Makhachev.
The woman who is now 35 years old was suspended for two years by the International Tennis Federation with a positive test result using meldonium.
He could return after 15 months. However, harsh punishment left his career wasted for one year.
Sharapova claims she uses the banned substance her doctor prescribed to treat diabetes and magnesium deficiency.
Doctor Makhachev also recommended that he consume meldonium as a precaution against the possible recurrence of one of the diseases he suffered.
Launching Marca, the substance was banned in January 2016 after it was discovered that athletes used it to improve their performance.