What's Happening?
The Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) has announced that Iasmin Lucindo Bezerra, a UFC athlete from Fortaleza, Brazil, has accepted a nine-month suspension for violating the UFC Anti-Doping Policy. Lucindo tested
positive for mesterolone, an anabolic agent prohibited at all times, from a sample collected on September 24, 2025, in Brazil. Following the positive test, she was removed from a scheduled fight in Las Vegas, Nevada, on December 13, 2025. The investigation revealed that Lucindo did not intentionally use the substance to enhance performance. She cooperated fully with the CSAD, providing documentation from a Brazilian pharmacy where she obtained dietary supplements that may have been contaminated. Despite her cooperation and the low-level presence of mesterolone, the CSAD imposed a suspension starting from the date of the sample collection.
Why It's Important?
This suspension highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring compliance with anti-doping regulations in sports. The case underscores the risks associated with using compounded dietary supplements, particularly those from pharmacies in regions with less stringent controls. For the UFC, maintaining the integrity of its competitions is crucial, and this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous testing and education for athletes. The suspension also impacts Lucindo's career, as she will be unable to compete until June 2026, affecting her professional trajectory and potential earnings. The broader implication is a call for athletes to be vigilant about supplement sources to avoid inadvertent doping violations.
What's Next?
Lucindo's suspension will conclude on June 24, 2026. Meanwhile, the Nevada Athletic Commission is conducting its own review of the case, which could lead to additional sanctions or decisions. The UFC and CSAD will likely continue to emphasize the importance of using only third-party tested supplements to prevent similar incidents. This case may prompt other athletic commissions and sports organizations to review their policies and educational programs regarding supplement use. Athletes and their teams might also become more cautious, seeking more reliable sources for supplements to avoid contamination risks.
