James Irvin Test Positive For Two Banned Substances

In the aftermath of his loss to Anderson Silva, James Irvin has tested positive for two banned substances - Oxymorphone and Methdone.

Oxymorphone is a semi-synthetic opioid analgesic, which is a prescribed medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. Methadone is a drug which is often used to treat people who have been addicted to narcotics such as heroin, but can also be prescribed as a painkiller.

Nevada State Athletic Commission has not issued a fine or suspension yet, as their rules state that Irvin has 20 days to submit an appeal. If his test results are upheld, he will face a suspension of 6-12 months and a fine of anything up to the full amount of his purse.

Tito Ortiz Tested in Pre Fight Drug Test

Tito Ortiz has become the latest fighter to be tested by the Nevada State Athletic Commission in their attempt to wipe out illegal drug use in contact sports.

Ortiz, who is scheduled to fight Lyoto Machida later this month, was tested at his gym in Huntington Beach, California. The results came back negative. Other fighters tested include Sean Sherk and BJ Penn. Two boxers, Zab Judah and Shane Mosley have also been tested, showing the commissions dedication to irradicating drug use. All fighters have reportedly passed these tests, although the results from Sherks test are still pending (see here for details http://mmatrivia.blogspot.com/2008/05/update-sherk-not-yet-cleared-on-drug.html)

UPDATE: Sherk Not Yet Cleared On Drug Test

Earlier this week, we reported that Sean Sherk had passed random pre fight drug test. (See here for the original story http://mmatrivia.blogspot.com/2008/05/sherk-and-penn-pass-random-drug-tests.html)

In a statement released by Keith Kizer, chairman of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, we have been told that this is not the case. Sherk was tested on or around the 22nd of April, as a requirement for his license to be issued. The results have not yet come back to the commission, as they take over 2 weeks to be tested.

We will notify you here as soon as we receive an update on the story.

Sherk And Penn Pass Random Drug Tests

In the run up to UFC 84, both BJ Penn and Sean Sherk have passed random drug tests given by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

The NSAC announced earlier this year that it would carry out random tests for steroids and recreational drugs at fighters own training facilities in an effort to clean up the usage of these substances in the sport.

It is perhaps no suprise that Keith Kizer, chairman of the NSAC, ordered these tests for Sherk, as he was fined and suspended for producing a positive sample in his last fight. Both Sherk and Penn are competing in this month's UFC 84, and will be tested after the fight too, as it is a title fight.