Chad Mendes, UFC featherweight contender, suspended 2 years for doping violation

UFC featherweight contender Chad Mendes has been suspended for two years after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency announced the sanction Wednesday. USADA administers the UFC’s anti-doping policy.

USADA says Mendes tested positive for a growth hormone-releasing hexapeptide in an out-of-competition test conducted May 17.

Mendes (17-4) is suspended until June 10, 2018, when he will be 33.

Mendes has fought for the UFC 145-pound title three times, losing twice to Jose Aldo and once to Conor McGregor.

The Northe Califoia native, who trains with Team Alpha Male in Sacramento, has lost three of his last four fights overall, including a first-round knockout loss to Frankie Edgar in his most recent bout Dec. 11.

Mendes said on Twitter last month that he “didn’t do my homework, and that was a big mistake.”

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