Brian Ortega has apologized for a failed drug test that cost him his UFC-debut win at July’s UFC on FOX 12 event. Ortega (8-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC), who scored a first-round rear-naked-choke win over featherweight Mike De La Torre (12-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC) at the July 26 event in San Jose, had the win overturned after he tested positive for the steroid drostanolone . The California Athletic Commission also suspended Ortega nine months and fined him $2,500. He can appeal, but according to the UFC, he’ll need to pass another drug test before he can compete again for the promotion. Ortega issued the following statement (via Instagram ), which he addressed to “my Coaches, Family, Friends, Fans and the UFC.” He said his coaches were “totally unaware” of his drug usage: Ortega is linked to the same gym, Blackhouse MMA, as another fighter who recently was flagged for drostanolone. “The Ultimate Fighter 17” veteran Kevin Casey failed a test due to the drug following his first-round knockout of Robert “Bubba” Bush at UFC 175
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UFC’s Brian Ortega apologizes for failed drug test, says coaches ‘unaware’ – MMA Junkie