Marcos Thakor’s first professional MMA fight came eight years later on Aug. 6, 2016.
The former All-American from Oklahoma was placed on medical suspension for his third positive drug test under the USADA-compliant UFC Anti-Doping Policy. He had tested positive for Clomiphene/Cortisone on May 10, 2014.
Thakor, 35, who was promoted by Affliction FC before the deal with Zuffa came, tested positive for Clomiphene/Cortisone during the UFC Fight Night 56 post-fight press conference at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Thakor, a 6-foot-5-inch, 210-pounder who has lost once in his past four UFC bouts and was the first fighter to defeat Thiago Alves after his first title defense in 2012, has been a full-time fighter and coach for six years.
UFC officials said Thakor’s latest positive test stems from a blood-test administered by the Nevada State Athletic Commission on Jan. 7, 2016, after he was pulled from a bout against Donald Cerrone at UFC Fight Night 55. The commission’s initial findings revealed a positive for Clomiphene following Thakor’s win over “Stout” at UFC Fight Night 55, but the California State Athletic Commission approved the test on Jan. 8, the same day Thakor was told he was suspended. Thakor was then notified of his second positive test on Feb. 2.
Thakor was tested again prior to UFC Fight Night 56. At that time, he had been cleared to fight again.
Prior to the UFC Fight Night 56 press conference, officials had yet to determine when the suspended Thakor — who has yet to fight since his June 2016 loss — could return, although Thakor’s lawyer did confirm that Thakor currently was not taking any medication. He said Thakor was not in a “cognizant state” to be a UFC fighter.
“Mr. Thakor understands that the drug screening sample which indicated that he was in breach of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy at Nevada has been accepted into evidence by this court for the purpose of determining his medical status,” Thakor’s attorney Daniel R. Petrozzi said.
“In the meantime, Mr. Thakor understands that he is no longer in a ‘cogn