SPORTS

Russian UFC fighter Bagautinov fails drug test

The Canadian Press Published Friday, July 11, 2014 2:11PM EDT

Ali Bagautinov of Russia reacts after defeating John Lineker of Brazil during the third round of a UFC 169 flyweight mixed martial arts bout in Newark, N.J., Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014. (AP/Tim Larsen)

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TORONTO - Flyweight Ali Bagautinov has been suspended for one year after failing a drug test at UFC 174 in Vancouver.

The UFC said the 29-year-old Russian has been banned by the British Columbia Athletic Commission for testing positive for erythropoietin (EPO). Bagautinov lost a unanimous decision last month to 125-pound champion Demetrious (Mighty Mouse) Johnson in the main event of the Rogers Arena card.

"The UFC has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance-enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents by our athletes," the UFC said in a statement. "Bagautinov will serve a one-year suspension and must pass a drug test at the conclusion of his suspension before receiving clearance to compete in the UFC again."

Bagautinov (13-3) is 3-1 in the UFC and was ranked fourth among 125-pound contenders.