UFC Veteran Suspended for Failed Drug Test

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated Mar 6, 2025 10:02 PM ET

A seasoned competitor in the UFC’s heavyweight division, this Brazilian fighter has built a reputation for his knockout power and early finishes. Over the years, he has demonstrated his ability to end fights quickly. However, his career is now on pause as he navigates the consequences of the rigorous anti-doping testing protocols in combat sports.

Drug testing in combat sports is like pop quizzes in school—random, stressful, and guaranteed to ruin someone’s day. Organizations like the UFC partner with agencies such as CSAD to enforce strict anti-doping regulations, meaning fighters can be tested anytime, anywhere, even when they least expect it (yes, even at 5 AM).

Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) has announced that Marcos Rogério de Lima has accepted a one-year suspension for violating the UFC Anti-Doping Policy (UFC ADP). The São Paulo native tested positive for Anastrozole, a banned substance classified as a Hormone and Metabolic Modulator, from an out-of-competition sample collected on January 13, 2025.

According to CSAD, Lima provided medical documentation confirming that he was prescribed Anastrozole for a medical condition. However, he did not check the substance’s prohibited status before using it and did not consult the UFC’s Anti-Doping Compliance Team for verification. This is his second violation of the UFC ADP, following a 2017 case in which he tested positive for the same substance due to a contaminated supplement from a Brazilian pharmacy.

As a result, CSAD has imposed a one-year suspension, which is a doubling of the standard six-month penalty due to his previous violation. The suspension is retroactive to January 24, 2025, meaning he will be eligible to return to competition on January 24, 2026. UFC President Dana White has consistently emphasized the importance of strict drug testing in the sport, citing it as essential to maintaining fairness and integrity.

De Lima showcased his power with a TKO victory over Junior Tafa at UFC 298, reminding fans of his finishing ability. At 39 years old, he will now have to navigate his return after a year away from competition, aiming to pick up where he left off.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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