Chad Mendes reportedly fails drug test for growth hormone releaser

Earlier this month, news broke that top ranked UFC featherweight Chad Mendes had been flagged for a USADA violation following a random out-of-competition drug test.

Mendes was quick to own up to the mistake, saying “I didn’t do my homework and that was a big mistake. I own it and I’m going to pay for it.”

Now, combat sports insider Larry Pepe has taken to Twitter to shine some light on just what Mendes was popped for, as well as details regarding the substance:

Source tells me that Chad Mendes popped for GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 6) and that he took it in cream form, not by injection. GHRP-6 is more of an anti-aging agent when taken alone. Of very little if any value to an athlete unless combined with other substances. However, I’m told that he only failed for that one substance and that nothing else was found. Taken alone it’s of little value to athletes seeking any performance or strength enhancement so it is a little puzzling as to why he would take just that unless he got bad advice or it was inadvertent, for example.

USADA is currently investigating Mendes’ failed drug test, however given the new information, do you think he will receive a lenient suspension like Yoel Romero did?