NSAC gets clean drug test from Jessica Eye, who apologizes to fans (updated)
Jessica Eye needed to be clean for banned substances before the Nevada State Athletic Commission would license her to fight Alexis Davis at UFC 170.
Eye submitted a urine sample this past Friday, and on Tuesday the NSAC got the results. Eye’s test was clean, NSAC Chairman Francisco Aguilar told MMAjunkie on Tuesday afternoon.
Earlier in the day, Aguilar, while awaiting the test results, said they would determine whether or not she would be licensed. The NSAC chair said the requirement was imposed this past week when he learned of the fighter’s probated suspension for marijuana following her UFC 166 win over Sarah Kaufman this past October in Houston.
After receiving a copy of an administrative order from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which oversaw UFC 166, Aguilar said he called to make sure the commission approved of Eye (10-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) fighting Davis (15-5 MMA, 2-0 UFC) in Las Vegas at the Feb. 22 pay-per-view event, which takes place at Mandalay Bay Events Center.
Aguilar said he also asked whether Eye is in compliance with the terms of her suspension, which include notifying the TDLR of upcoming bouts and providing drug test results. The fighter passed both checks.
Aguilar said he will wait to see the actual report from the drug test. Assuming everything checks out, Eye most likely will be approved, in this case for a conditional, one-fight license. She may be subject to additional drug testing at the commission’s discretion. All fighters on UFC cards are tested for performance-enhancers and drugs of abuse on fight night.
Eye paid for her required drug test, which was conducted by Quest Laboratories, the commissioner added.
Today, the 27-year-old women’s bantamweight issued an apology to fans, posting a picture on her Instagram account that said, “No one is more disappointed about this than I am, … I take this personally and hold myself accountable.â€
Through her rep and the UFC, Eye on Monday declined an interview request following the revelation of her positive test for marijuana and untruthful statements surrounding the failure and subsequent suspension.
Eye’s manager, Greg Kalikas, told MMAjunkie that following the suspension, Eye had “since met all obligations required of her by the UFC and Nevada.â€
“At this point, I’d prefer to just allow her to catch her breath and focus exclusively on her father’s health and this fight,†Kalikas said.
Eye’s father, Randy, recently underwent surgery to remove an advanced brain tumor. She has set up an online donation drive to defray medical costs from the procedure and for his recovery.
