‘Valhalla’ UFC debut postponed over potential USADA conflict

Norway’s Emil ‘Valhalla’ Meek came to widespread attention at Venator FC when he crushed Rousimar Palhares, and did so looking exactly like one of his viking ancestors. There is no one in the mixed martial arts space with a more incongruous last name.

How could the UFC not sign this man?

They did, and scheduled him to fight Jessie Ayari at UFC Fight Night 93 on Sept. 3 in Hamburg, Germany.

However, Meek informed the UFC’s independent PED testing arm, USADA, that he received medical treatment that could potentially be out of compliance. As a precaution, Meek was pulled from the card. He does not face a potential anti-doping policy violation.

The UFC offered details in a release.

As part of the athlete onboarding process, Emil Meek voluntarily disclosed medical treatment he received prior to signing with UFC that is potentially out of compliance with UFC’s Anti-Doping Policy. As a result, Meek will not compete in his previously scheduled bout on September 3, 2016 in Hamburg, Germany in order to allow him time to consult with his physician and evaluate his medical treatment.

Meek himself provided further details, via Facebook.

It is with an heavy heart and axe I write this.

Due to medical reasons as stated in the UFC press release below, my entrance to the UFC cage is postponed for later this year.

For all my friends and supporters in the ‪#‎ValhallaArmy‬ who has bought tickets to the fight in Hamburg – I’m truly sorry. I am devastated, but be sure… I am coming to Hamburg to watch the tournament with you, and we are gonna make it an epic night, not soon forgotten.

I got signed up for the debut fight before my enrollment in the UFC was complete. Going from Venator to UFC involves a way stricter regiment as to what kind of medication I’m allowed to use.

We have decided it was not worth the risk. The result was pulling out of my upcoming fight in Hamburg. It changes nothing when it comes to my relationship with UFC, other than that my debut in the Octagon will be pushed to around December.

Let me stress that I have not failed any drug test whatsoever! This is merely a preliminary precaution.

I’ve been enrolled with USADA’s registered testing pool to prepare since for my bout since June. As a fighter I’m happy and personally, I feel safer to compete under the USADA’s anti-doping policy.

I feel sorry for Jessin Ayari, I hope we can fight another day!

H/T Taz Styles

Until December, we will have to make do with Meek’s win over Palhares: