UFC heavyweight Braxton Smith suspended 2 years by USADA

Braxton Smith won’t be returning to the Octagon for quite some time. 

According to a press release from USADA, the UFC heavyweight has been suspended for two years following a failed drug test. 

“Smith’s urine sample was analyzed using a specialized test, known as Carbon Isotope Ratio (CIR) testing, that differentiates between anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) naturally produced by the body and prohibited anabolic agents of external origin. The CIR test confirmed the presence of testosterone and/or its metabolites of external origin in Smith’s urine sample,” the release reads. 

Smith made his debut at UFC 288. He lost the bout via a second-round TKO to Parker Porter. 

The suspension started on May 6, 2023 (retroactively), and will be eligible to fight again on May 6, 2025. He could also face further sanctions by the New Jersey State Athletic Commission, where he fought.