Costa’s Doctor Suspended By USADA

Photo by Buda Mendes/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Dr. Lucas Penchel of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, has accepted a two-year sanction for violating the UFC Anti-Doping Policy back in 2017. Penchel both recommended and prescribed prohibited IV infusions for top middleweight contender Paulo Costa, and his brother, Carlos Costa.

USADA’s rules at the time of the infraction had IV infusions and/or injections limited to less than 50 mL per 6-hour period. Under today’s amended policy, fighters are permitted to go up to (but not over) 100 mL per 12-hour period.

Not that it matters, as Penchel was in violation under both rulesets.

“Dr. Penchel, like all athlete support personnel, was entrusted to help athletes make safe and informed decisions,” said USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart. “But instead, he violated anti-doping rules and his oath to best protect athletes’ health and safety.”

Penchel’s two-year suspension began on March 17, 2020.

During his timeout, Penchel will be unable to work with combat sports athletes as manager, coach, trainer, second, corner man, agent, or medical personnel. Costa previously served a six-month suspension for the IV infraction back in early 2019.