The newest member of the UFC roster has found himself in some hot water with the USADA already.
The UFC is known as the highest competition of mixed martial arts. MMA fighters from around the world have the goal of making it to the UFC. Some fighters train their whole lives and never reach the “big show.” When a fighter is signed to the UFC whether it is following an appearance on The Ultimate Fighter, The Contender Series, or after a good showing on the regional scene, they are required to enter the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency’s testing pool. All active fighters are tested randomly in and out of the competition before being able to compete in the Octagon.
The UFC recently signed 6-1 Jose Henrique to a contract. The Brazilian native has not yet made his promotional debut, and now that debut will be delayed. Henrique has tested positive for a banned substance and has been suspended by the USADA.
Jose Henrique has accepted a two-year USADA suspension following a failed drug test before his UFC debut
Henrique signed a contract to join the UFC nine weeks ago and did not yet have a bout set. He was tested upon entering the USADA pool where his sample came back positive.
“Upon being added to the UFC Anti-Doping Program, athletes are required to declare prohibited substances they have used in the previous 12 months,” USADA wrote in a statement per MMA Fighting. “An athlete who makes such declaration will not be deemed to have committed a violation but, depending on the substance, may be required to refrain from competition for a period of at least six months and provide at least two negative samples.”
Henrique tested positive for 19-norandrosterone and 19-noretiocholanolone. The sample was an out-of-competition drug test taken on March 8. Henrique’s suspension will be retroactive to that date and he will be able to return to the UFC if his contract allows on March 8, 2025.
