UFC Fighter Suspended By USADA For Cocaine Use

Flyweight fighter Juancamilo Ronderos has accepted a one-month suspension by United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) after failing an in-competition drug test for cocaine dating back to UFC Vegas 27.

This is according to an official USADA statement, which was released on Thursday after Ronderos accepted his one-month sanction. The official USADA statement can be read below:

“USADA announced today that Juancamilo Ronderos Alvis, of Las Vegas, Nev., has accepted a one-month sanction for a violation of the UFC® Anti-Doping Policy. Alvis, 26, tested positive for cocaine and its metabolite benzoylecgonine as the result of a sample collected in competition at the UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas on May 22, 2021. Cocaine, a non-Specified stimulant, is prohibited in-competition and considered a Substance of Abuse under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy and the UFC Prohibited List. An athlete who discloses the use of a prohibited substance to USADA upon entering the UFC Anti-Doping Program will not be deemed to have committed a violation if USADA determines that a positive test for that substance resulted from the athlete’s use prior to entering the program. Alvis did not declare the use of cocaine on his onboarding declaration forms. Alvis received a reduction to the otherwise applicable period of ineligibility because under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, athletes may receive a reduced sanction for Substances of Abuse if they can establish by a preponderance of the evidence that the violation did not enhance, and was not intended to enhance, the athlete’s performance in a Bout and they subsequently complete a drug rehabilitation program.”

The one-month suspension is retroactive to May 22 so Ronderos is already eligible to return.

Ronderos, 26, made his Octagon debut on short notice at UFC Vegas 27 against rising flyweight contender David Dvorak. After a brief feeling out period to begin the first round Dvorak was able to put the pressure on Ronderos and ended up finishing him with a one-armed submission (check it out HERE). It was the first loss of Ronderos’ career.

In addition to his USADA suspension, Ronderos may receive further sanction by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, which is currently reviewing the case in accordance with its own rules.