Former UFC and WSOF welterweight title contender Jon Fitch has failed a day-of-fight drug test in connection with a WSOF title bout Dec. 13 in California.
California State Athletic Commission executive director Andy Foster confirmed the failed test to ESPN.com on Friday, following an initial report by MMAJunkie.com.
Foster confirmed an "adverse finding" on a day-of-the-fight urine test, submitted by Fitch prior to a bout against Rousimar Palhares in Sacramento. Fitch (26-7-1) lost to Palhares via first-round submission.
A carbon isotope ratio (CIR) test was then administered on Fitch's sample, according to Foster. Results of the test were not available until recently.
The CSAC is legally prohibited from disclosing the substance Fitch tested positive for, although it's almost certainly synthetic testosterone. The CIR test is used to determine whether testosterone in urine is synthetic or naturally produced. An "adverse finding" that would trigger such a test is an elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio.
Fitch, 36, faces a potential fine and suspension from the CSAC. He has the right to appeal the results.
Fighting out of Las Vegas, Fitch is a near-13-year veteran of mixed martial arts. He competed in the UFC from 2005 to 2011. In 2008, Fitch fought Georges St-Pierre for the UFC welterweight title and lost by unanimous decision. Following his UFC release, Fitch signed with WSOF where he has accumulated a record of 2-2.