7 MMA Fighters Who’ve Hurt Their Careers with Failed Drug Tests
MMA fighters love what they are doing, but it’s not a surprise that it’s not an easy job. It is quite challenging, but not only because of the strong opponents that one may have to face. For example, MMA fighters sustain injuries that they need to recover from and that can affect their careers.
There are also MMA fighters who hurt their careers through other methods. They ended up failing drug tests, some of them due to steroid use, others for different drugs. Although some people are expecting MMA fighters to use steroids for a little power boost, drug use is banned in MMA, so it only makes sense that whoever breaks the rules faces consequences. Here are 7 MMA fighters who ended up failing drug tests and hurt their careers.
- Matt Riddle
Matthew Riddle is a loved fighter, and many were very excited to see him winning several matches. In fact, the fighter was almost in the middle of a winning streak of four fights. They weren’t all just ordinary fights either – they were against big players in the game, like John Maguire and Che Mills.
The happiness of the fighter and the fans was short-lived, though, because the player failed a drug test. He had to use medical marijuana, and he also had a license for it. Still, he didn’t want to stop using it, even though he was well aware of the fact that it was banned in UFC.
The fighter was enjoying 12 Octagon fights, then ended up being released for failing a second drug test in a period of 7 months.
- Lavar Johnson
The heavyweight fighter Lavar Johnson also ended up with a failed drug test and a pink slip. The fighter is known to have almost no consideration when it comes to his opponent’s health and safety, or even his own. He ended up losing to Brendan Schaub and Stefan Struve, and it was obvious he was not going to receive a lot of criticism.
At UFC 157, though, the fighter failed a drug test. So, after a losing streak and a pink slip, it’s safe to say things weren’t going great for Johnson.
- Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva had a smart way to avoid proper drug testing, or at least that’s what he thought. The fighter would provide false urine samples until the NSAC made a report that his sample was “inconsistent with human urine”, and that he submitted a substituted specimen or an adulterated one for the testing.
In a hearing, the fighter admitted to injecting steroids 30-45 days out from his fight against Vera as he had to recover from a back injury suffered. As a result of his actions, the victory against Vera was changed to a no-contest instead, while Silva also had to be suspended for one year and pay fines worth $33,750.
He also tested positive for marijuana metabolites in late 2012 after fighting Stanislav Nedkov. This resulted in a UFC suspension of 6 months.
- Rafael Cavalcante
A few years ago, Rafael Cavalcante tested positive for Stanozolol use. Cavalcante is a known MMA fighter, loved for his striker skills. However, he ended up being looked down upon for his drug use. He defeated Mike Kyle in only 33 seconds, but once the drug use was discovered, the win was turned to a no-contest instead, while the fighter got a $2,500 fine and was suspended from CSAC for one year.
- Cyborg Santos
Santos was suspected to be on steroids by many people, and it ended up being true. According to her, she was dealing with difficulties losing weight for a matchup. So, she said she tried using a dietary supplement to lose weight faster.
However, she tested positive for Stanozolol, which is not something used as a dietary supplement. It suddenly became obvious that Santos was making excuses. Her win against Hiroko Yamanaka was changed to a no-contest, and she received a $2,500 fine and was suspended from the CSAC for one year.
Tim Sylvia was a loved heavyweight champion in the UFC, and rightfully so. He had the UFC championship because he was an undefeated champion.
Sadly, things changed when he tested positive for Stanozolol after title defense against the fighter Gan McGee. He got a $10,000 fine and he was also suspended for six months.
- Chris Leben
Chris Leben ended up failing two drug tests while in the UFC. The second test took place after his UFC 138 bout, and it was due to using prescription painkillers, oxymorphone, and oxycodone. He was suspended as a result, and later he decided to retire.
ConclusionAs you can see, if you plan on becoming an MMA fighter, you should stay away from substances like white label CBD and certain painkillers. Drug tests are conducted regularly and if you are discovered, you will put an end to your career before it even starts.
