TORONTO - UFC fighter Jake Shields says he has been banned for six months for taking a prohibited substance.
"Prior to my professional bout at UFC 150 in Denver, Colorado, I used a substance prohibited by Colorado Boxing Commission rules," the 33-year-old American said Friday in a statement released by his management group.
"This was a mistake that I fully regret. I have shared this issue with my family and the UFC and I have apologized to them and now I also apologize to you, the fans. I promise this will never occur again in my fighting career.
"I accept the (Colorado) Boxing Commission's decision for a six-month suspension, which will expire in February. I ask that you accept my apology. I will be back fighting soon, and hope that the fans of MMA will support me until that time."
The former Strikeforce champion won a unanimous decision over middleweight Ed (Short Fuse) Herman on the Aug. 11 card at the Pepsi Centre.
A spokeswoman for Shields' Authentic Sports Management said she was not at liberty to release anything else.
