Details regarding Taila Santos` withdrawal from the PFL flyweight grand prix have emerged.
The former UFC title contender, now competing under the PFL banner, has accepted a six-month suspension from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). This action follows a positive test for oxandrolone and clenbuterol detected in an out-of-competition sample collected on March 21.
According to a statement issued, both oxandrolone and clenbuterol are categorized as “non–specified Substances” within the class of Anabolic Agents. These substances are strictly prohibited at all times under the PFL Anti-Doping Policy and the PFL Prohibited List.
Santos was originally scheduled to face Juliana Velasquez at PFL 2 earlier this month but withdrew from the bout. Consequently, she has been removed from the division’s World Tournament. Santos will become eligible to compete again on September 21, upon the completion of her suspension.
The 31-year-old fighter reached the finals of the 2024 season, where she was decisively defeated by Dakota Ditcheva at the PFL World Championship event held in November. Santos joined PFL after a seven-fight tenure in the UFC. Her UFC run included a notable split decision loss to Valentina Shevchenko in her sole championship opportunity at UFC 275 in June 2022.
Her final appearance in the UFC octagon occurred at UFC Singapore in August 2023. In that fight, she lost a decision to Erin Blanchfield before subsequently being released by the promotion.
Murray Blackwood