Azunna Anyanwu accepts one-year suspension for USADA test failure

Following an October 2017 drug test failure, UFC heavyweight Azunna Anyanwu has accepted a one-year suspension from the United States Anti-Doping Agency.

The USADA made the announcement Friday.

Anyanwu, 36, tested positive for furosemide in an out-of-competition test administered on Oct. 18, 2017, one month after he made his UFC debut in a split-decision loss to Justin Ledet. According to the USADA press release, furosemide is a “a Specified Substance in the class of Diuretics and Masking Agents and prohibited at all times.”

Prior to signing with the UFC, Anyanwu compiled a 14-4 record including a second-round knockout of Greg Rebello on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series. He would not be offered a contract, but was later called in on less than a week’s notice as an injury replacement to fight Ledet.

Anyanwu will be eligible to compete again on Oct. 18, 2018.