Nine PFL fighters are facing suspensions following failed drug tests after the first two events of the PFL season.
During their monthly Nevada State Athletic Commission meeting, three PFL fighters were handed sanctions, while another six had hearings announced and postponed to a later date. Among the most known name was Thiago Santos who asked for his release to sign with PFL and after his first PFL fight, failed a drug test.
All nine fighters that failed a drug test have been removed from the 2023 PFL season and have since been replaced by new fighters. As well, out of the 36 bouts that took place across three PFL events at The Theater at Virgin Hotels on April 1, April 7, and April 15, seven featured fighters were flagged, including two bouts in which both fighters tested positive.
Following the NSAC hearing, the PFL released a statement on the nine fighters testing positive for banned substances.
“PFL has been notified by the Nevada State Athletic Commission that several fighters who competed in the two PFL 2023 Regular Season events this past April have been temporarily suspended until further review by the Commission,” the statement read. “PFL has a zero-tolerance policy related to the usage of banned substances and complies with the U.S. State Athletic Commission requirements. Further, as the PFL moves towards the highest level of testing and compliance in the sport, PFL is engaged with USADA on the implementation of its athlete anti-doping program.”
Nine PFL Fighters Flagged for Failed Drug Tests
The nine PFL fighters to be flagged for failed drug tests are as follows:
- Alejandro Flores, flagged for Furosemide. Suspended six months until Oct. 1; fined $2,926 (includes $326 in legal fees); win overturned to no contest
- Krzysztof Jotko, flagged for Clomiphene (B-sample also tested positive). Suspended six months until Oct. 1; fined $6,826 (includes $326 legal fee)
- Bruno Cappelloza, flagged for Drostanolone. Suspended nine months until Jan. 7; fined $11,451 (includes $236 legal fees); win overturned to no contest
The following six PFL fighters have yet to be officially suspended by the NSAC.
- Rizvan Kuniev, flagged for Drostanolone, methenolone, boldenone, 19-norandrosterone.
- Mohammad Fakreddine, flagged for Stanozolol, dronastalone, GW1516
- Cezar Ferreira, flagged for Clomiphene, androstanolone
- Will Fleury, flagged for Drostanolone
- Daniel Torres, flagged for Drostanolone, amphetamine
- Thiago Santos, flagged for Clomiphene
