Paulo Costa has been suspended by USADA, but is eligible to return to the UFC immediately.
The UFC middleweight contender was handed a six-month ban by USADA, the UFC’s anti-doping partner, for the prohibited usage of an intravenous infusion (IV) twice in 2017, the agency announced Friday. Costa’s suspension is retroactive to Aug. 10, 2018, the date he acknowledged receiving the IV. The Brazilian fighter is already able to return to the Octagon.
Also included on the suspension is Carlos Costa, who USADA said administered Paulo Costa the IV. Carlos Costa is Paulo’s older brother. He is listed by USADA as “Athlete Support Personnel.