Nevada Athletic Commission hands down punishments to PFL Fighters for Positive Drug Tests

Nevada Athletic Commission has handed down punishments to seven fighters from the Professional Fighters League

Cezar Ferreira in a file photo [Image Credit Twitter@cezarmutante]
By Mohit | Jun 21, 2023 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

The Nevada Athletic Commission has handed down punishments to seven fighters from the Professional Fighters League who tested positive for banned substances during the promotion’s 2023 season. The NAC announced these adjudication agreements during a monthly committee meeting held in Las Vegas.

Nevada Athletic Commission hands down punishments to PFL Fighters for Positive Drug Tests

Out of the 36 bouts that took place across three PFL events at The Theater at Virgin Hotels in April. 10 featured fighters who were flagged for banned substances. What makes this situation more concerning is that three of these bouts involved both fighters testing positive. The prevalence of positive tests within the promotion triggered a response from PFL officials. Who expressed their intention to introduce a U.S. Anti-Doping Agency testing program similar to the one employed by the UFC.

During the May event, three fighters, namely Bruno Cappelloza, Alejandro Flores, and Krzysztof Jotko, received their punishments for their respective positive drug tests. However, during the recent NAC meeting, the punishments for the remaining seven fighters were disclosed, showcasing the seriousness with which the commission is addressing the issue.

These punishments encompass suspensions, fines, and potential overturning of bout results. The NAC’s actions aim to enforce strict consequences for violating anti-doping regulations, ensuring fair competition, and safeguarding the integrity of the sport.

The controversy surrounding the positive drug tests has prompted PFL executives to take action. In an effort to bolster its anti-doping measures, the promotion has expressed interest in implementing a USADA testing program similar to the successful model employed by the UFC. This commitment to stricter drug testing protocols demonstrates PFL’s dedication to maintaining a clean sport and protecting the welfare of its athletes.

List of PFL Fighters

  • Mohammad Fakhreddine ( 12-month suspension and $6,407 fine)
  • Cezar Ferreira ( Nine-month suspension and $3,489 fine)
  • Will Fleury ( Nine-month suspension and $3,071 fine)
  • Rizvan Kuniev ( 12-month suspension and $9,821 fine)
  • Thiago Santos ( Six-month suspension and $12,907 fine)
  • Daniel Torres ( Nine-month suspension and $2,826 fine)
  • Rob Wilkinson (Nine-month suspension and $8,321 fine)

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