Eddie Alvarez Responds To Gilbert Melendez’s Failed Drug Test
For the longest time, Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez, and the “Silent Assassin” Eddie Alvarez were considered to be the two best lightweights fighting outside of the UFC, and two of the best fighters fighting outside of the UFC period with Melendez holding the Strikeforce 155-pound strap, and Alvarez sporting Bellator lightweight gold.
The two almost met numerous times over the years, but the promotions could never reach an agreement, leading to a rivalry that would last years. With both now fighting under the UFC banner, the two finally squared off with each other at UFC 188 in Mexico City on June 13, 2015.
After an intense buildup, the two former champions battled back and forth in a close-fought contest, in which Alvarez took home a split-decision. After all of the years of hype, the fight may not have been as good as it would’ve been years back, but it was an entertaining contest, and the beef seemed to have been settled.
However, more news has come out regarding the fight, as the UFC announced earlier this week that “El Nino” actually tested positive for performance-enhancing-drugs (PEDs) in his UFC 188 drug test and has been suspended for one year.
The “Silent Assassin” took to his twitter yesterday (July 7, 2015) to respond to the situation, and despite the rivalry, he actually didn’t bash Melendez, who did take full responsibility for his actions. Instead, Alvarez said that in such a tough sport, he understands why fighters make take banned substances, also admitting that he’s been blessed to never feel the need to use any PEDs.
Alvarez said that he never judges anyone for doing things like that, but he said that he’ll never be seen taking steroids, joking that he barely enjoys protein powder.
Take a look out the former Bellator champ’s rant below:
“Just say No “
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) July 7, 2015
I never judge anyone fro doing anything . not taking PED’s has been a personal Descision for Me . Everyone does shit differently .
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) July 7, 2015
I been blessed, I never felt the need to take anything , but we are in a tough sport highly competitive , I understand why guys do stuff
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) July 7, 2015
One a thing is for sure , You will never see a positive test on my end , i barley like protein powder !!
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) July 7, 2015
If I showed you my supplement program You would absolutely erupt in laughter
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) July 7, 2015
During camp I took (vitamin store brand ) multi vit , fish oil , and a Nubreed preworkout drink I like , coffee in the am and again at 5 pm
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) July 7, 2015
Quite an interesting view from the “Silent Assassin” I may add. Did “El Nino” receive the correct punishment?
