UFC heavyweight Carlos Felipe releases statement on potential USADA violation

Carlos Felipe was removed from his UFC Sao Paulo bout with Christian Colombo on Oct. 28 due to a potential USADA violation, and the Brazilian fighter issued a statement on the situation.

The undefeated heavyweight signed with the promotion after going 8-0 with six knockouts in the Brazilian circuit, and was flagged in an out-of-competition drug test conducted by the United States Anti-Doping Agency on July 29.

On his social media, Felipe apologized to his fans for being pulled from the card, but said he has never taken banned substances.

"I was informed of a potential violation in the antidoping test,” Felipe wrote. "I’m well aware that I haven't used any substance prohibited by USADA. Since signing with the UFC, I didn’t even take caffeine capsules anymore. I’ll be waiting for the USADA trial. I apologize to everyone who was anxious for this fight."

The UFC is currently seeking a replacement to fight Colombo in Brazil.