Five UFC fighters banned for doping

Sport360 staff 19:53 06/01/2017
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  • Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar was hit with a one-year ban and fined $250,000 for testing positive for performing-enhancing drugs at UFC 200.

    Lesnar, returned to the octagon after a five year absence in July, beating Mark Hunt via unanimous decision.

    The WWE star tested positive for clomiphene and 4-hydroxyxlomphine following an out of competition test on June 28.

    As a result of Lesnar’s ban, we take a look at five other UFC stars banned for doping.

    VITOR BELFORT

    Belfort tested positive for Hydroxytestosterone in 2006 and was hit with a nine month ban and fined $10,000.

    On his return to the octagon he would go on to win 11 out of his next 14 fights, before suffering two consecutive defeats in 2016.

    At 39, the Brazilian is ranked number 10 on the UFC Middleweight rankings.

    NICK DIAZ

    The older of the Diaz brothers, Nick, was banned for five years and handed a $150,000 fine for testing positive for Marijuana following his defeat to Anderson Silva at UFC 183 in 2015.

    The 32-year-old reached a settlement with the Nevada State Athletic Commission and had his ban reduced to 18 months.

    Diaz has only appeared in the octagon three times since 2012 but is expected to return this year.

    CRIS CYBORG

    Regarded as one of the most dominant female fighters, Cyborg tested positive for the anabolic steroid stanozolol in 2012 and had her license suspended for 12 months.

    Since her return in February 2013, the Brazilian has won seven straight fights in Invicta FC and UFC organisations.

    Just last month it was reported that the 31-year-old tested positive for a diuretic and is facing a one-year suspension from USADA.

    ANDERSON SILVA

    Failed a test for two anabolic steroids at UFC 183 and was subsequently banned for one year and fined $380,000.

    Silva (33-8) is considered one of the most technically gifted fighters in the UFC, and held the middleweight title for 10 straight defences – an organisation record.

    ROYCE GRACIE

    UFC Hall of Famer Gracie tested positive for Nandrolone after his fight against Kazushi Sakuraba in 2007.

    The Brazilian was banned for the rest of his license – ending in May 2008 – and fined $2,500.

    Gracie, with a 15-2 record, retired from competing in MMA in 2013 leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential figures in the sport’s history.

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