Mendes’ USADA Violation Reportedly Due To Growth Hormone

Chad Mendes’ downward spiral continues to worsen, as the two-time 145-pound title challenger is now engulfed in a scandal involving ‘Money’s’ failed out-of-competition United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) drug test.

Now a report has surfaced that Mendes has been flagged for the use of GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 6).

Larry Pepe broke the news via Twitter:

https://twitter.com/LarryPepe/status/746033351773949953

Pepe’s full statement can be read right here (transcribed by MMA Mania):

Source tells me that Chad Mendes popped for GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 6) and that he took it in cream form, not by injection.

GHRP-6 is more of an anti-aging agent when taken alone. Of very little if any value to an athlete unless combined with other substances.

However, I’m told that he only failed for that one substance and that nothing else was found. Taken alone it’s of little value to athletes seeking any performance or strength enhancement so it is a little puzzling as to why he would take just that unless he got bad advice or it was inadvertent, for example.

Mendes (17-4) is on a disappointing two-fight losing skid since being starched by interim featherweight title challenger Frankie Edgar, in the first round of their main event bout at The Ultimate Fighter Season 22 Finale (TUF 22 Finale).

Prior to his bout with Edgar, Mendes met current UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor in the main event of UFC 189 back in July of last year, that saw the brash Irishman knockout Mendes in the second round with just seconds to spare.

No time-frame on a potential suspension has yet been announced by USADA, but we’ll keep you posted as more becomes known.