Matheus Nicolau out of UFC Fight Night 100 bout for potential anti-doping violation

Another UFC fighter has been red-flagged for potentially violating the anti-doping policy.

This time it was flyweight Matheus Nicolau, who was informed by the United States Anti-Doping Agency that he failed an out-of-competition test. Nicolau, who has fought twice in the UFC, was scheduled to fight Ukla Sasaki on Nov. 19 in Sao Paolo.

The UFC, which is currently in the process of finding a replacement to face Sasaki, released a statement on Nicolau.

"The UFC organization was notified today that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has informed Matheus Nicolau of a potential Anti-Doping violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collected on October 13, 2016. USADA has provisionally suspended Nicolau based on the potential anti-doping violation.

"Nicolau was scheduled to fight Yuta Sasaki on November 19th in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The UFC is currently exploring whether or not a replacement to fight Sasaki can be arranged.

"USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case. 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."

Nicolau has scored back-to-back victories since a stint on The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 4. He scored a submission win over Bruno Korea, and followed that up with a split decision over veteran John Moraga.