The reason behind Taila Santos` withdrawal from the PFL flyweight grand prix has now been disclosed. The fighter, a former UFC title challenger who recently joined the PFL roster, has accepted a six-month suspension.
The ban was issued by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) following a positive test for the prohibited substances oxandrolone and clenbuterol. The test was conducted out-of-competition on March 21.
According to an official release, both oxandrolone and clenbuterol are categorized as “non-specified Substances” within the Anabolic Agents class. These compounds are strictly forbidden at all times under the PFL`s Anti-Doping Policy and Prohibited List.
Santos had been scheduled to compete against Juliana Velasquez at PFL 2 earlier this month but pulled out of the bout. Consequently, she has also been removed from the remainder of the division`s World Tournament. Her eligibility to return to competition is set for September 21, marking the conclusion of her suspension period.
The 31-year-old Brazilian fighter reached the finals of the 2024 PFL season before suffering a decisive loss to Dakota Ditcheva at the PFL World Championship event in November.
Prior to her PFL tenure, Santos had a seven-fight run in the UFC. This included a closely contested decision loss to Valentina Shevchenko for the flyweight championship at UFC 275 in June 2022, which was her sole title opportunity.
Her final appearance in the Octagon was at UFC Singapore in August 2023, where she lost a decision to Erin Blanchfield. Following this bout, she was released from the promotion.
Oliver Croft