The reason behind PFL fighter Taila Santos` removal from the flyweight grand prix tournament has now been disclosed.
Santos, a former UFC title challenger now competing in PFL, has accepted a six-month suspension from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). The suspension follows a positive test result for oxandrolone and clenbuterol from an out-of-competition sample collected on March 21.
According to a press release, these substances, oxandrolone and clenbuterol, are classified as “non-specified Substances” within the category of Anabolic Agents. These agents are strictly prohibited at all times under the PFL`s Anti-Doping Policy and Prohibited List.
Santos had been scheduled to fight Juliana Velasquez at PFL 2 earlier in May but withdrew, leading to her removal from the division`s World Tournament. Her suspension means she will be eligible to return to competition on September 21.
The 31-year-old fighter reached the finals of the 2024 PFL season, where she was defeated by Dakota Ditcheva via finish in a dominant performance at the PFL World Championship event last November. Prior to joining PFL, Santos competed in the UFC for seven fights, notably challenging Valentina Shevchenko for the flyweight title in a close decision loss at UFC 275 in June 2022.
Her final appearance in the UFC octagon was at UFC Singapore in August 2023, where she lost a decision to Erin Blanchfield before subsequently being released by the promotion.
