The reason behind Taila Santos being withdrawn from the PFL flyweight grand prix is now known.
Santos, a former UFC title challenger and current PFL fighter, has accepted a six-month ban from the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). This follows a positive test for oxandrolone and clenbuterol found during an out-of-competition test conducted on March 21.
According to an official statement, oxandrolone and clenbuterol are classified as non-specified substances within the Anabolic Agents category, which are strictly prohibited at all times under the PFL`s Anti-Doping Policy and Prohibited List.
Santos was originally slated to compete against Juliana Velasquez at PFL 2 this month but withdrew. She has since been removed from the division`s World Tournament. Her suspension means she will be eligible to return to competition on September 21.
The 31-year-old Santos advanced to the finals of the 2024 PFL season but was finished decisively by Dakota Ditcheva at the PFL World Championship event in November. Santos joined PFL after a seven-fight run in the UFC, highlighted by a close decision loss to Valentina Shevchenko in her single UFC title challenge at UFC 275 in June 2022.
Her last appearance in the UFC octagon was at UFC Singapore in August 2023, where she lost a decision to Erin Blanchfield before subsequently being released by the promotion.