Lyoto Machida has been suspended from competition for 18 months after declaring his usage of a banned substance. As the suspension is retroactive, Machida will be eligible to return in November of next year.

In the lead up to a fight with Dan Henderson earlier this year, the 38 year old reported to USADA that he had been a supplement called “7-Keto” which contained the anabolic agent DHEA.

In a release from USADA, the company stated they tested Machida’s sample and found it to contain elevated 7β-hydroxy-DHEA to DHEA ratio. At the time, Machida insisted he hadn’t known the banned nature of the substance, and hence reported it out of uncertainty. However, USADA (as in the case of Mirko CroCop) take admissions of guilt and treat them with the equivalency as a failed test.

They did say, however, that Machida’s admission and cooperation in the investigation meant a reduction of a potential two-year suspension to the 18 months dealt.

At the time, Machida insisted he hadn’t known the banned nature of the substance, and hence reported it out of uncertainty. However, USADA (as in the case of Mirko CroCop) take admissions of guilt and treat them with the equivalency as a failed test.

“I want to tell you that I really didn’t know about this substance,” wrote Machida on his Facebook page. “So I listed it on my declaration form amongst everything else I was taking, and this substance was recently banned in 2016, so I take the blame for not knowing that, and I’d like to say I’m really sorry and apologize to my fans, team mates, and my family… I always try to play by the book, but unfortunately this happened.”

With the Brazilian being nearing 40 by the time his suspension is complete, it remains unseen as to whether we’ll see the former light heavyweight champion compete in the Octagon again.