As the UFC’s relationship with USADA continues, and even appears to be growing, some notable fighters are starting to find that the benefits to a comprehensive drug testing program may not outweigh the cost. Especially when they’re the ones getting caught up in the wave of drug test failures.
Back in May of 2018, former heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum tested positive for the banned substance Trenbolone. As a result of his positive test – and an apparent unwillingness to turn informer – ‘Vai Cavalo’ ended up with a two-year suspension from competition. A strong punishment, made all the stronger by the fact that the 41-year old likely doesn’t have that many years left as an elite competitor in combat sports.