On today's fight pass media scrum, Dana White was asked about a recent "incident" involving Ali Bagautinov. White refused to comment. A little digging however, reveals a report from Russian combat sports website MMABoxing.ru. It appears that, following a positive test for Methylhexaneamine, Ali Bagautinov has received a two year ban from FIAS. This drug was in the news last year in association with Toronto Blue Jays prospect Marcus Stroman. While the drug is common on banned substances lists, it's most often found in nasal sprays as a decongestant and short term stimulant. It's also something commonly found in supplements. This hasn't swayed the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) from the sound of things, however. (translation via google)

Report on Anti-Doping (Mr. Ali Bagautinov Shamil'evich)

In accordance with Art. 14.2.2 Doping provisions FIAS report that athlete Mr. Ali Bagautinov Shamil'evich violated Art. 2.1 Anti-Doping regulations FIAS (presence of a prohibited substance methylhexaneamine in an athlete's sample). Commission Hearing doping cases FIAS has adopted the following sanctions against the athlete:

- 2 years ineligibility from 9 November 2012 to November 8, 2014

- Cancellation of the athlete received during the FIFA World Sambo 2012, which held in Minsk (Belarus), including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.

- Part or all of the financial support that is associated with sports activities, or other related activities, grants ever recieved by an athlete will be withheld and FIAS it's national federations in accordance with Art. 10.10.3 Doping provisions FIAS

It's hard to tell if these sanctions are recently imposed for an incident in 2012 (which is how it appears) or if they've just recently been brought to light. Either way, as a substance banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, Methylhexaneamine would be considered an illegal substance in British Colombia, the location of Bagautinov's upcoming fight with Demetrious Johnson. It's hard to tell if there's any action that could or would be taken by commission officials in B.C. or by the UFC itself, but White's insistence at the media scrum that "it wasn't important" suggest that there won't be any public action on the UFC's behalf.

Bagautinov is set to take on Demetrious Johnson for the UFC's flyweight title at UFC 174. Bloody Elbow will be sure to provide any possible updates to this story when and if they become available.