Ivan Pasich, a promising Ukrainian fighter, has been banned for four years after testing positive for meldonium. The International Testing Agency, working on behalf of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), announced the decision following the failed test during the European Championship.
The prohibited substance was found in Pasich's sample on September 30, 2022. Meldonium is classified as a hormonal and metabolic modulator S4 under anti-doping regulations.
"The four-year ban period officially began on May 21 and will continue until May 20, 2029," the agency confirmed in their statement.
The consequences for the Ukrainian fighter are severe. All of Pasich's achievements since September 30, 2022, have been nullified. This means he loses his gold medal from the 2022 European Junior Championship in the 61.2 kg weight category, as well as his silver medal from the 2021 World Junior Championship.
Interestingly, the four-year suspension appears to span more than four calendar years based on the reported dates, which suggests there may be additional factors affecting the length of the ban.
Pasich's team still has options. They can challenge this ruling through the Sports Arbitration Court's appeals department, according to Article 13.2 of IMMAF's anti-doping rules.
Will the Ukrainian fighter be able to successfully appeal this decision? The coming weeks should provide more clarity on his future in the sport.
