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UFC's Irvin tests positive for two banned drugs

Veteran's tests show methadone and oxymorphone; suspension likely

Image: James Irvin
NBCSports.com
UFC veteran James Irvin tested positive for two banned drugs after losing to Anderson Silva on July 19.
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By Mike Chiappetta
NBCSports.com
updated 4:21 p.m. ET July 29, 2008

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Mike Chiappetta

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James "the Sandman" Irvin suffered a knockout loss at the hands of Anderson Silva in his July 19 UFC fight, and now the Nevada State Athletic Commission is accusing Irvin of testing positive for two banned drugs after the bout.

Irvin tested positive for methadone and oxymorphone, according to the NSAC's urinalysis, released to media outlets on Tuesday. Neither drug is approved by the commission.

The drug test was taking after his match, according to the documents released.

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Irvin could be suspended and fined as a result of the positive tests, and has 20 days to respond to the findings, at which time a hearing will be scheduled with the commission.

Both methadone and oxymorphone are both primarily used for pain relief, although methadone is also used in treating narcotic addiction.

Irvin was the only fighter to have a positive test stemming from the Fight Night card. His loss came in just 61 seconds in the main event against Silva, who was making his UFC debut in the light-heavyweight division.

In addition to Irvin, Anderson Silva, Tim Credeur, Cale Yarbrough, Hermes Franca, Frankie Edgar, Cain Velasquez, Brandon Vera, CB Dollaway, Nate Loughran and Shannon Gugerty were all tested for steroids and drugs of abuse.

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