NAC suspends Ryan Benoit for 9 months after testing positive for sleep apnea drug

Former UFC fighter Ryan Benoit was suspended Wednesday for a positive drug test stemming from his last bout under the promotion’s banner.

The Nevada Athletic Commission suspended Benoit (10-8) nine months retroactive to a positive urine sample collected in connection to his UFC on ESPN 27 unanimous decision loss to Zarrukh Adashev on July 31.

Benoit, 32, was flagged for modafinil, more commonly known as provigil, a commonly prescribed medication for sleep apnea. In addition to his suspension, Benoit faces a total of $3,445.36 in fines and legal fees. He will be eligible to return on April 1, 2022.

Following the defeat to Adashev, Benoit was released from the promotion. The loss was his third in a row and fourth in five fights. A member of the UFC roster from 2013 to 2021, Benoit competed nine times over the span of eight years and compiled a 3-6 record.