BJ Penn removed from UFC 199 after potential Anti-Doping Policy violation

BJ Penn’s planned comeback to MMA is off.

The former 2-division UFC champion was removed from his planned UFC 199 bout with Cole Miller because of a possible USADA violation. The UFC announced the news on Monday night citing the use of an IV as the reason for the violation.

The full statement reads as follows:

“The UFC organization was notified today that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) informed BJ Penn of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation. Penn disclosed the usage of a prohibited method – the use of an IV in excess of 50 ML in a six-hour period – during a March 25, 2016, out-of-competition sample collection. In accordance with the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, Penn has received a provisional suspension, and has been removed from his scheduled bout against Cole Miller on June 4 in Los Angeles.

“UFC will announce a replacement opponent for Miller shortly, and additional information will be provided by USADA and UFC at the appropriate time as the process involving Penn moves forward.””

Penn was initially slated to meet Dennis Siver at UFC 199 before Miller stepped in as a replacement last week. Now, with a possible suspension hanging over his head, the comeback will have to be put on the backburner for another while.

UFC 199 will be headlined by Luke Rockhold vs. Michael Bisping for the middleweight title with the bantamweight strap also up for grabs on the night as old foes Uriah Faber and Dominick Cruz meet for the 3rd time.