The reason behind Taila Santos` withdrawal from the PFL flyweight grand prix has now been disclosed.
Santos, a former contender for the UFC title and currently competing in PFL, has agreed to a six-month suspension imposed by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). This decision follows a positive test for oxandrolone and clenbuterol during an out-of-competition sample collection on March 21st.
According to the official statement, oxandrolone and clenbuterol are classified as “non-specified Substances” within the Anabolic Agents category. These substances are prohibited at all times according to the PFL Anti-Doping Policy and Prohibited List.
Taila Santos was originally scheduled to face Juliana Velasquez at PFL 2 earlier this month but withdrew from the bout. As a result, she has been removed from the division`s World Tournament. She is scheduled to become eligible to return to competition on September 21st, after her suspension has concluded.
The 31-year-old fighter reached the finals of the 2024 season but was defeated by Dakota Ditcheva in a dominant performance at the PFL World Championship event held in November. Santos joined the PFL after a seven-fight run in the UFC, which included a decision loss to Valentina Shevchenko in her sole championship opportunity at UFC 275 in June 2022.
A veteran of 26 fights in the UFC, her final appearance in the octagon was at UFC Singapore in August 2023, where she lost a decision to Erin Blanchfield before being released by the promotion.
Wesley Dunham