Surging UFC lightweight contender Pat Healy’s biggest victory in recent memory was changed to a no-contest after testing positive for marijuana in his post-UFC 159 drug test.
Healy will also face a sanction in the form of a 90-day suspension from the New Jersey State Athletic Commission. UFC 159 took place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey last month.
Bleacher Report first indicated that “Bam Bam” failed his post-fight drug test, with MMA Junkie being the first media outlet to have all the details about the situation.
Healy’s management team at Iridium Sports Agency released a statement to various media outlets on Tuesday night regarding the matter:
“I would like to start off by apologizing to the UFC, Jim Miller, the MMA community, its fans, my family, teammates and coaches for my positive testing for marijuana after my UFC 159 fight with Jim Miller." Healy said in the statement.
"I was fully aware of the UFC and State Commissions drug policies and made poor life choices. I stand behind the UFC and the State Commission's disciplinary actions. I support efforts to make MMA and sports a clean, safe and fair place to compete.”
“First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge and take responsibility for my mistake. I made a very poor choice to socially use marijuana and now I must face the consequences of that choice.”
“I can assure you that I will do everything the UFC and State Commission asks of me and beyond. I will also make a conscious effort to be a better role model within the MMA community.”
Healy, who earned the ninth spot on the UFC’s official lightweight rankings following the win over Miller, has not lost since June 2010 and the victory over the New Jersey native marked his seventh straight victory inside the cage.
Further complicating the matter is the fact that Healy earned both “Submission of the Night” and “Fight of the Night” for his back-and-forth affair with Miller, which ended in the third round when he rendered the respected grappler unconscious with a rear-naked choke.
The two bonuses netted Healy $130,000, which under the UFC’s new drug policy, can be taken back once the NJSAC officially released their drug test results.
Miller boasted a 20-2 overall record and a seven fight win streak of his own heading into an August 2011 bout with now-champion Benson Henderson.
The loss to Healy would’ve made Miller just 2-3 in his past five fights, but his record during that stretch now slightly improves to 2-2(1). This turn of events also allows Miller to remain a relevant player at 155-pounds.