The reason for Taila Santos’ removal from the PFL flyweight grand prix has been revealed.
The one-time UFC title challenger, now PFL fighter has accepted a six-month suspension from the United States Anti-Doping Agency for testing positive for oxandrolone and clenbuterol, stemming from an out-of-competition test on March 21.
According to the release, oxandrolone and clenbuterol are “non–specified Substances in the class of Anabolic Agents, which are prohibited at all times under the PFL Anti-Doping Policy and PFL Prohibited List.”
Santos was scheduled to face Juliana Velasquez at PFL 2 earlier this month before withdrawing, and has been removed from the division’s World Tournament. Santos is eligible to compete again on Sept. 21 following the conclusion of her sentence.
The 31-year-old Santos made it to the finals of the 2024 season before she was finished by Dakota Ditcheva in dominant fashion at the PFL World Championship card in November. Santos signed with PFL following a seven-fight stint in the UFC, which includes a decision loss to Valentina Shevchenko in her lone championship opportunity at UFC 275 in June 2022.
The 26-fight UFC vet competed for the final time in the octagon at UFC Singapore in August 2023, losing a decision to Erin Blanchfield before being given her release from the promotion.
