UFC lightweight contender Gilbert Melendez was supposed to make a quick turn around following his UFC 188 split-decision loss to Eddie Alvarez, after being named as a replacement for the injured Bobby Green for a July 15 fight. He'll have to wait much longer before he sees the inside of the Octagon again as the UFC announced that Melendez has failed his UFC 188 post-fight drug test, and will be suspended for a year.

"As a result of the positive test, Melendez has accepted a one-year suspension, effective from the date of the bout, for violating the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy and Promotional Agreement with Zuffa, LLC," the statement read, also pointing out that the fighter tested positive for exogenous origin of testosterone metabolites.

"Regrettably, I tested positive in my post fight urine sample for UFC 188," Melendez said in his own statement. "I did not inject anything, but I am responsible and accept the consequences for the results. I will make sure I am better educated about the products I use and their implications. Going forward, I will ensure no products I use will contain banned substances. I am sincerely apologetic to everyone who supports me, including my fans, sponsors and the UFC. I value your trust and respect and will do everything in my power to keep it."

Melendez was scheduled to fight Al Iaquinta on July 15 in San Diego.

Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports points out that considering the circumstances, Melendez lucked out because his failed test came before the UFC's July 1 switch to drug testing run by the United States Anti-Doping Agency, which would have merited a minimum two-year suspension.

The UFC is still pondering who will replace Melendez for his scheduled fight, and one of the most active fighters on the UFC roster has already put his name in the hat.

"I know a guy!! Always game, Drug and PED Free," Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone tweeted.