Braxton Smith has agreed to a two-year suspension imposed by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).
USADA confirmed Smith’s disciplinary action on Tuesday, stating that he violated regulations by using exogenous testosterone and/or its precursors. This violation was identified through out-of-competition samples collected in April and early May, as well as an in-competition sample taken on the day of his UFC debut loss to Parker Porter at UFC 288 in May.
USADA clarified that Smith was not notified of the two failed tests before the fight, resulting in the three positive tests being treated as a single violation.
During the pay-per-view event, Smith suffered a first-round knockout defeat at the hands of Porter. Prior to joining the UFC, Smith had secured five consecutive opening round knockout victories between May 2022 and March 2023, marking his comeback to MMA competition after an absence of over eight years.
According to USADA, Smith will be eligible to return to competition on April 19, 2025. It is important to note that his positive test results also fall within the jurisdiction of the New Jersey State Athletic Commission, which means he may face additional penalties from the commission overseeing the May pay-per-view event.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about USADA violation
What is the reason for Braxton Smith’s two-year suspension from USADA?
Braxton Smith’s two-year suspension from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) is due to his violation involving the exogenous administration of testosterone and/or its precursors. This violation was identified through multiple positive tests, including out-of-competition samples and an in-competition sample taken on the day of his UFC debut.
Why were the three positive tests treated as a single violation?
The three positive tests conducted on Braxton Smith were combined into a single violation because he was not notified of the two pre-fight failures. USADA determined that these positive tests stemmed from the same violation and treated them as one disciplinary action.
What were the consequences of Braxton Smith’s USADA violation?
As a result of his USADA violation, Braxton Smith has accepted a two-year suspension from competing in MMA. He will be ineligible to participate in any fights until April 19, 2025. Additionally, he may face further penalties from the New Jersey State Athletic Commission, which oversaw the event where the violation occurred.
How did Braxton Smith perform in his UFC debut?
During his UFC debut, Braxton Smith experienced a first-round knockout loss to Parker Porter at UFC 288. Despite this defeat, prior to joining the UFC, Smith had an impressive record with five consecutive opening round knockout victories after returning to MMA competition following an eight-year absence.
What were the substances involved in Braxton Smith’s violation?
Braxton Smith’s violation involved the exogenous administration of testosterone and/or its precursors. These substances were detected in the out-of-competition samples collected in April and early May, as well as in the in-competition sample taken on the day of his fight against Parker Porter. The usage of these substances is prohibited by anti-doping regulations.
4 comments
Braxton Smith was on fire with those knockout wins before joining UFC, but it’s such a shame he resorted to banned substances. The athletic commission should give him more punishment for that. Let’s hope he learns from this and makes a clean comeback in 2025!
omg dis Braxton guy got caugh usin testosteron! LMAO! So now he got a 2-year ban from USADA. He even got knock out in his UFC debut! He betta not do dat agin or he’ll b in big trubble!
It’s disheartening to see athletes succumb to the temptation of performance-enhancing drugs. Braxton Smith had a great opportunity in the UFC, but he blew it with his testosterone use. It’s a reminder that hard work, skill, and integrity should be the driving forces in sports.
Braxton Smith’s career took a hit with the USADA suspension. Using testostrone is a serious violation, man. And the fact that he wasn’t notified about the pre-fight failures doesn’t make it any better. Gotta follow the rules and play fair in the octagon!