The reason behind Taila Santos` withdrawal from the PFL flyweight grand prix has now been disclosed.
The former UFC title challenger, who now competes under the PFL banner, has accepted a six-month suspension imposed by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). This decision follows a positive test for oxandrolone and clenbuterol, stemming from an out-of-competition drug test conducted on March 21.
According to the official announcement, oxandrolone and clenbuterol are categorized as “non-specified Substances” within the class of Anabolic Agents. These substances are explicitly prohibited at all times under the PFL Anti-Doping Policy and the PFL Prohibited List.
Santos was initially scheduled to face Juliana Velasquez at PFL 2 earlier this month before withdrawing from the bout. Consequently, she has been officially removed from the division`s World Tournament. Santos` suspension concludes on September 21, making her eligible to return to competition on that date.
The 31-year-old fighter reached the final of the 2023 PFL season, which concluded in November, where she was defeated decisively by Dakota Ditcheva at the PFL World Championship event. Santos joined the PFL after a seven-fight run in the UFC. Her time in the UFC included a challenging decision loss to Valentina Shevchenko in her only title shot at UFC 275 in June 2022.
She last competed in the UFC octagon at UFC Singapore in August 2023, where she lost a decision to Erin Blanchfield before subsequently being released by the promotion.
