Rob Wilkinson recently opened up about the unfortunate drug test failure that led to his disqualification from the rest of the 2023 PFL season. As the reigning 2022 PFL light heavyweight champion, Wilkinson’s setback caught the attention of fans and fellow fighters alike.
Having competed in the co-main event of the season opener, Wilkinson showcased his skills and emerged victorious with a unanimous decision win over Thiago Santos at 2023 PFL 1. However, the joy was short-lived as his failed drug test resulted in the fight being declared a no contest.
Taking to Instagram, Wilkinson shared a heartfelt statement, accepting full responsibility for the drug test failure. He expressed his commitment to working on his mental and physical well-being, vowing to return stronger for the 2024 season.
Firstly, I would like to thank you for your support over my career and I want to provide you all with an explanation for my nonattendance in the 2023 PFL season.
After my last fight on April 1st, I failed an in-competition drug test, which has resulted in my suspension for the rest of the 2023 PFL season.
I have and will continue to reflect on all the reasons that led me down this path, but regardless of these reasons, I am extremely disappointed in myself. I want to emphasize that I wholeheartedly accept full responsibility for the choices I have made and the consequences that have come with it.
To my family, friends, team, fans, and the PFL, I’ve let you down and for that I am sorry. All I can do now is learn and grow from my mistakes, as I’ve always tried to do. I will take this time to improve my mentality and skill set and will be back better than ever. Through every set back, is an opportunity for a stronger come back.
To all of those who have reached out and shown unwavering support during this challenging time, I want to express my sincerest gratitude to you all. I truly appreciate each and every one of you.
I am looking forward to putting this behind me and getting back to what I love. I promise you that I will be bringing the PFL 2024 LHW belt back to Australia.
Wilkinson’s transparency and determination resonated with fans, who rallied behind him as he faced the consequences of his actions. It remains to be seen how he will bounce back from this setback, but one thing is certain: he is determined to learn from his mistakes and make a triumphant comeback in the future.
Rob Wilkinson had an incredible journey to become the 2022 PFL light heavyweight champion. He didn’t just win the title, he did it in style by securing four consecutive stoppage victories.
With each fight, Wilkinson showed his dominance and skill. He defeated Bruce Souto, Viktor Pesta, Delan Monte, and Omari Akhmedov one after the other, leaving no doubt that he deserved to be the season winner.
