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Heavyweight Alistair Overeem talks with commentator Joe Rogan during the UFC 141 weigh-in at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011. Overeem faces Brock Lesnar at the arena Friday.
Monday, April 23, 2012 | 10:55 a.m.
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After nearly three weeks of silence, UFC heavyweight Alistair Overeem spoke out on his failed drug test Monday morning.
Overeem issued a statement ahead of his appearance in front of the Nevada State Athletic Commission that is scheduled for Tuesday morning. Overeem blamed his elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone level on a medication.
“Prior to the UFC 146 press conference in March, I aggravated an old rib injury on my left side,” Overeem said. “My doctor prescribed, and I accepted, an anti-inflammatory medication that was mixed with testosterone. I was completely unaware that testosterone was one of the ingredients in the medication. Although I was unaware, I do realize it is my job to know what I am putting in my body.”
The NSAC will determine whether to license Overeem at Tuesday’s hearing. The UFC has already pulled him out of a scheduled heavyweight championship fight with Junior dos Santos.
Frank Mir slid into the spot vacated by Overeem. UFC President Dana White planned to wait for Overeem’s date in front of the NSAC, but timeliness changed his mind.
“We were right up on deadlines for a lot of things we need to do to promote a pay-per-view,” White said. “I’m not very optimistic on Tuesday.”
Overeem’s statement said he “respectfully withdrew” from the event. His focus remains getting into the octagon as soon as possible.
“I absolutely do not believe in, nor do I use performance-enhancing drugs,” Overeem said. “I am a clean fighter, and I will do whatever it takes to prove this to everyone.”
Case Keefer can be reached at 948-2790 or case.keefer@lasvegassun.com. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.
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