Thiago Tavares tested positive for drostanolone at UFC on FX 7. (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images)

UFC lightweight Thiago Tavares tested positive for a banned substance following his UFC on FX 7 fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov, and is suspended nine months dating back to the night of the fight, UFC officials said on Wednesday.

Tavares tested positive for drostanolone, an anabolic steroid, and will have to test again at the end of his suspension before returning to competition.

“The UFC is committed to transparency and zero tolerance for doping,” said UFC president Dana White.

All 22 fighters were tested at at the Jan. 19 event, and only Tavares came back with a positive sample.

In the week leading up to Wednesday’s news, rumors circulated that main event participant Vitor Belfort was the fighter that tested positive. White shot down those rumors, adamant that it was not Belfort. However, it was noted that Belfort has been on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) under the supervision of a physician in Nevada following a diagnosis for hypogonadism.

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