UFC: Cuban Hector Lombard tests positive for anabolic steroid, removed from UFC 186 bout

ESPN

By Brett Okamoto 

UFC welterweight Hector Lombard has tested positive for an anabolic steroid in a test he submitted after defeating Josh Burkman at UFC 182 on Jan. 3 in Las Vegas.

Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director Bob Bennett confirmed the results to ESPN.com on Tuesday. MMA Fighting first reported Lombard's failed test.

Lombard (35-4-1) tested positive for desoxymethyltestosterone, according to lab reports. The sample was collected Jan. 3 and reported to the NSAC on Jan. 13.

News of the failed test comes immediately after the UFC announced on Tuesday that a scheduled fight between Lombard and Rory MacDonald at UFC 186 on April 25 had been canceled. The UFC did not provide details on why the bout had been pulled at that time.

UFC director of communications Dave Sholler acknowledged to ESPN.com that Lombard was removed due to the failed test. The UFC is exploring new options for MacDonald.

A former Bellator MMA middleweight champion, Lombard signed with UFC in 2012 and dropped to the welterweight division in 2013. He has compiled a 3-0 record since, aligning himself toward a potential title shot in 2015.

He faces a fine and suspension due to the failed test. His unanimous decision win against Burkman will likely change to a no-contest.

Burkman (27-11) commented via Twitter shortly after the news broke.