Mixed Martial Arts fighter Mulheron, who is from South Shields, had signed a four-bout deal with the UFC following an impressive run of 11 wins from 12 contests which saw him become the UK's top-ranked heavyweight.

Following an out-of-competition urine test on Nov.10 2017, Mulheron tested positive for the banned substance clomiphene and its metabolite hydroxyclomiphene, the USADA said in a statement.

As a result, Mulheron had been removed from the card for the UFC Fight Night 122 event in Shanghai on Nov. 25.

Clomiphene, a hormone and metabolic modulator, is prohibited at all times under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, which has adopted the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.

USADA confirmed Mulheron will begin his one-year period of ineligibility from Nov. 17 2017 which is when the provisional suspension was imposed.

Mulheron, 29, will remain in the USADA registered testing pool and make himself available for testing in order "to receive credit" for time completed under his sanction.