UFC heavyweight Raphael Pessoa accepted a one-year suspension from USADA after he tested positive for a banned substance in an out-of-competition test on March 4th.
Pessoa last fought on Fight Island on July 26th where he was stopped by Tanner Boser in the second-round of their matchup. Despite the test on March 4th, a provisional suspension was not issued and the Brazilian was allowed to fight in July.
According to the USADA release, the reporting of the sample was delayed by laboratory closures due to COVID-19.
Pessoa tested positive for HCTZ which is a specified substance in the class of diuretics and masking agents.
Payout Perspective:
With the irregularities of the pandemic, it appears that Pessoa was able to get a UFC in prior to being suspended. Notably, Jesse Ronson was suspended by USADA after testing positive for a banned substance prior to his fight on July 22nd on Fight Island.
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