The reason behind Taila Santos`s withdrawal from the PFL flyweight grand prix and subsequent removal from the tournament has now been disclosed.
The former UFC title challenger and current PFL competitor has accepted a six-month suspension from the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). This sanction follows a positive test for oxandrolone and clenbuterol, substances detected during an out-of-competition test conducted on March 21.
According to an official statement from USADA, both oxandrolone and clenbuterol are classified as “non-specified Substances” within the category of Anabolic Agents. These agents are explicitly prohibited at all times under the PFL Anti-Doping Policy and the PFL Prohibited List.
Santos was originally scheduled to compete against Juliana Velasquez at PFL 2 earlier in the month. However, she withdrew from the bout, which led to her removal from the division`s World Tournament. Taila Santos will be eligible to return to competition on September 21, upon the completion of her suspension.
The 31-year-old fighter reached the finals of the 2024 PFL season but was defeated decisively by Dakota Ditcheva at the PFL World Championship event in November. Santos joined the PFL roster after a seven-fight tenure in the UFC. Her time with the UFC included a notable championship opportunity at UFC 275 in June 2022, where she lost a close decision to then-champion Valentina Shevchenko.
Her final appearance in the UFC octagon was in August 2023 at UFC Singapore. In that bout, the veteran fighter lost a decision to Erin Blanchfield before ultimately being released by the promotion.
