USADA announced on Thursday that former UFC featherweight Diego Brandao has accepted a nine-month suspension for a positive test for marijuana metabolites. The positive test occurred in an in-competition test at UFC 195.
The suspension will date back to January 2, 2016, but he could mitigate his 9-month suspension by one month if he completes an anti-doping educational program. Thus, with completing the program he’d be back by September.
Of course, Brandao may face additional punishment from the Nevada State Athletic Commission since the positive drug test occurred in the state.
Payout Perspective:
Bad times for Brandao, as he was released by the UFC after an incident in which he allegedly assaulted workers and pulled a gun in a strip club in New Mexico. If there is any good news, it’s that the usual suspension for marijuana is one year. Brandao only will receive 8 if he completes the educational program. Of course, he will have to face the NAC and could possibly be fined/suspended by the commission as well. Thus, it presents a sort of “double jeopardy” for Brandao as not only is he being punished by USADA, he’s going to face punishment from the commission.
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