Paul Miller-Imagn Images

Ex-UFC fighter banned from competition after failed drug test

Originally posted on MMA on SI | By Mathew Riddle | Last updated Apr 30, 2025 2:54 PM ET

It was a shock to many to see Taila Santos withdraw from her last fight.

The ex-UFC title challenger-turned-PFL competitor was a heavy favorite to defeat Juliana Velasquez in April, but withdrew without reason.

Paul Miller-Imagn Images

Taila Santos accepts sanction after failed drug test

As revealed by U.S. Anti Doping Agency (USADA) on April 30, Santos has accepted a six month suspension for testing positive for banned substances.

"Santos’ six-month period of ineligibility began on March 21, 2025, the date her positive sample was collected. As a result of her positive test, Santos was also removed from the Card for the PFL World Tournament event on April 11, 2025." - USADA

Santos was demolished by Dakota Ditcheva in November 2024. At 31, she's still relatively young in her fighting career, but the suspension doesn't bode well for her success in the PFL.

This article first appeared on MMA on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: