<
>

UFC boosts Cung Le ban to 1 year

LAS VEGAS -- UFC middleweight Cung Le's nine-month suspension for a failed drug test in August was increased to 12 months by the promotion on Wednesday.

UFC officials announced that after further review of Le's positive test for human growth hormone following a TKO loss to Michael Bisping on Aug. 23, a decision was made to extend the suspension to one year.

The UFC self-regulated the event, which took place in Macau, China, due to the absence of a regulatory body.

"After review by UFC senior management, an error was discovered regarding the length of Cung Le's suspension due to a failed drug test," the UFC stated. "While originally stated as nine months, the correct suspension period to be enforced is 12 months."

The UFC announced the failed drug test and original nine-month suspension Tuesday.

Le (9-3) lost the bout via TKO at 0:57 of the fourth round. Fighting out of San Jose, California, Le will have to submit a clean test to the UFC before he is reinstated.