The reason behind Taila Santos`s withdrawal from the PFL flyweight grand prix has now been clarified.
The PFL competitor, a former contender for the UFC title, has agreed to a six-month suspension from the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). This action follows a positive test result for oxandrolone and clenbuterol, substances detected in an out-of-competition sample collected on March 21.
According to the information provided by USADA, both oxandrolone and clenbuterol are categorized as “non–specified Substances” within the class of Anabolic Agents. These particular substances are prohibited at all times under the PFL`s Anti-Doping Policy and its Prohibited List.
Earlier this month, Santos was scheduled for a bout against Juliana Velasquez at PFL 2 but pulled out. Consequently, due to the suspension, she has been removed from participation in the division`s World Tournament. Her eligibility to resume competing is set for September 21, upon the completion of her suspension period.
The 31-year-old fighter reached the final stage of the 2024 PFL season, where she was defeated by Dakota Ditcheva in a dominant performance during the PFL World Championship event held in November. Santos joined the PFL roster after a seven-fight tenure with the UFC. Her time there included her only championship opportunity, a decision loss to Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 275 in June 2022.
Her final appearance inside the octagon occurred at UFC Singapore in August 2023. In that fight, she lost a decision to Erin Blanchfield before subsequently being released by the promotion.
