Josh Hedges / Zuffa

Chris Leben will be out of action for nine months serving a suspension for a positive steroids test.

UFC middleweight Chris Leben tested positive for Stanozolol and will be suspended for nine months, the UFC confirmed on Monday.

Leben tested positive for the drug in a test administered after his Oct. 18 loss to Michael Bisping at UFC 89 in Birmingham, England.

Because UFC events held in the UK are not sanctioned by an athletic commission, the UFC administers its own tests.

“I am obviously disappointed with Chris, who has made great strides getting his life back on track,” UFC President Dana White said in a statement posted on UFC.com. “To his credit, he has taken responsibility for his actions and is accepting the punishment that has been handed down. But as always, the UFC puts the safety of its athletes first and foremost, and we won’t tolerate anyone using performance enhancing drugs in our organization."

Leben dropped a three-round, unanimous decision to Bisping in the main event of UFC 89, and afterward said it was his favorite match he had participated in.

The UFC added that Leben was the only one of the 22 tested fighters to test positive for any drugs of abuse or performance enhancers.

The 28-year-old Leben (18-5) has had his share of out-of-the-cage troubles. Earlier this year, he served time in jail stemming from a probation violation charge, but he later voiced a belief that the chapter had helped turn his life around.

In the cage, Leben is known for his aggressive, attacking style and powerful hands. Ten of his 18 wins are by knockout.