UFC Middleweight Handed 7 Months’ Suspension by USADA Following Four Failed Tests

UFC middleweight Abu Azaitar is the latest fighter to be banned by USADA following failed drug tests. Azaitar has been handed a suspension of seven months following the violation of the Therapeutic Use Exemption laws set by the anti-doping agency.

“Azaitar, 34, tested positive for tamoxifen and/or tamoxifen metabolite 3-hydroxy-4-methoxy-tamoxifen as the result of urine samples collected on August 25, 2020, September 4, 2020, September 9, 2020, and September 17, 2020. Tamoxifen is a Specified Substance in the class of Hormone and Metabolic Modulators and is prohibited at all times under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy and UFC Prohibited List,” read USADA’s official statement.

USADA notified the Moroccan fighter about the positive drug test. Azaitar subsequently provided proof of the doctor prescribing him the tamoxifen due to medication issues. Tamoxifen is an estrogen receptor modulator used for treating certain types of cancer in females and other medical conditions in men.

But his violation of rules meant that he had to face a minimum of seven months’ suspension. The ban began from his first failed test date of August 25 and will end on March 25. Azaitar will be eligible to compete after that. His ban got reduced due to some special circumstances.

Despite signing almost 3 years ago with the UFC, the former WSOF fighter Azaitar has competed only once in the promotion. He picked up a unanimous decision win over Vitor Miranda in 2018. He hasn’t competed since. He has been booked twice but withdrew both times.

Abu Azaitar had his brother cut by the UFC recently

Ottman Azaitar, younger brother of Abu, was set to face Matt Frevola at UFC 257. But Ottman and his camp snuck people to the fighter hotel in Abu Dhabi and breached COVID protocols. He was subsequently cut by the promotion a day before the pay-per-view.

Abu was also present in Ottman’s camp, but his involvement in the incident hasn’t been clarified. The middleweight is expected to make an Octagon return this year after being inactive for almost 3 years.

What do you make of Abu Azaitar’s failed drug test? How do you rate USADA’s works in cleaning up the UFC?