Usman Nurmagomedov denies using steroids in wake of PED suspension, says he is forbidden by CSAC to elaborate

Usman Nurmagomedov recently discussed the failed drug test that led to his six-month suspension and denied using steroids. The reigning Bellator lightweight champion claimed that his ordeal was over and that the substance found in his system was nothing more than medication meant for therapeutic use.

Last October, Nurmagoemdov was handed a six-month suspension and a $50,000 fine by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) for failing a drug test. It also led to his Bellator 300 victory over Brent Primus being overturned to a no-contest. However, exact details of the substance found in his system remain scarce.

Ahead of his long-awaited return at Bellator Champions Series: San Diego against Alexandr Shabliy this weekend, the 26-year-old spoke to MMA Junkie in an interview and addressed his tribulations, while maintaining that he hadn't used any steroids. He said:

"We have a deal with California Commission, and I cannot tell to media or someone, but it was medication. If it were a steroid, they have to say, ‘This was a steroid.’ And they have to give me more time for suspension... It was medication, and this was like nothing. Everything is good now... I don’t care, I’m good... I didn’t do nothing. I know who I am. I never did something like steroids or something like that."

Check out Usman Nurmagomedov's comments below:

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Usman Nurmagomedov wants cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov to present belt at Bellator San Diego

In the same interview, Usman Nurmagomedov spoke about his cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov overseeing his training and addressed the former UFC lightweight champion's absence from his corner for the past few fights.

Ahead of his next outing at Bellator Champions Series: San Diego, Nurmagomedov opened up about his training camp and stated that he wanted his cousin to wrap the belt around his waist after winning his comeback fight. He said:

"It’s a very good place [AKA Gym] for training. Very good people around me. Javier [Mendez], Khabib [Nurmagomedov], my brothers. Everybody is here. Everybody has helped me, and I’m ready."

Speaking about the influence of 'The Eagle' on him and his training, Nurmagomedov said:

"All the time he was in our corner... People think he went out and he wouldn’t talk about fights, but we all the time talked. He just took some time to enjoy with his family, but now he’s with us and I’m so happy. I hope he’s going to put the belt around my waist. I hope Khabib is going to put the belt on me." [H/t: MMA Junkie]

Watch the full interview below: