The reason behind Taila Santos` recent withdrawal from the PFL flyweight grand prix has now become clear.
Santos, a former UFC title contender who recently joined PFL, has received and accepted a six-month suspension from the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). This action follows a positive test for oxandrolone and clenbuterol from an out-of-competition sample collected on March 21.
A statement regarding the suspension specified that oxandrolone and clenbuterol are classified as “non-specified Substances within the category of Anabolic Agents.” These substances are permanently banned under both the PFL Anti-Doping Policy and their Prohibited List.
The positive test and subsequent suspension led to Santos`s removal from her scheduled bout against Juliana Velasquez at PFL 2 this month and her subsequent elimination from the divisional World Tournament. She will be eligible to return to competition on September 21, upon the completion of her six-month period.
The 31-year-old fighter reached the finals of the 2024 PFL season, where she was defeated by Dakota Ditcheva last November. Santos joined the PFL after a seven-fight run in the UFC, highlighted by a close decision loss to Valentina Shevchenko for the flyweight title at UFC 275 in June 2022.
Her final appearance in the UFC octagon was in August 2023 at UFC Singapore, where she lost a decision to Erin Blanchfield before being released by the promotion.
