UFC veteran Tom Lawlor suspended due to potential USADA violation

Veteran Tom Lawlor has been provisionally suspended by the UFC following a potential USADA violation following an out-of-competition drug test administered on Oct. 10, the company announced Wednesday. Per policy, the nature of the potential transgression was not made public.

Lawler (10-6, 1 NC), has been with the UFC since 2008. He's fought 11 times in that span at both middleweight and light heavyweight, compiling a 6-5 record.

While his colorful impersonations at weigh-ins and in walkouts helped Lawlor gain a fan following, long inactive spells due to injury have kept him from building momentum.

His most recent fight was a decision loss to Corey Anderson at UFC 196.

"USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC anti-doping policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case," read a UFC statement. "It is important to note that, under the UFC anti-doping policy, there is a full fair legal review process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed. Consistent with all previous potential anti-doping violations, additional information or UFC statements will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward."

A first offense could mean a two-year suspension from the sport. Lawlor has the right to contest the findings.