Seven fighters from the Professional Fighters League (PFL) have received suspensions and fines after testing positive for banned substances. Among them are Rob Wilkinson, the 2022 light heavyweight champion, and Thiago Santos, a former UFC title challenger.
During a meeting held by the Nevada Athletic Commission, the punishments were announced. The suspended fighters must undergo clean testing before they can compete again in Nevada.
Rob Wilkinson tested positive for an elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio, indicating the presence of anabolic androgenic steroids. He will face a nine-month suspension, ending on January 1, 2024. His victory over Thiago Santos has been changed to a no-contest. Wilkinson is also required to pay a fine of $7,500, as well as $326 for prosecution fees and an additional $495 for testing fees.
Thiago Santos tested positive for clomiphene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) often used as a fertility drug that can affect testosterone levels in men. He received a six-month suspension and will be eligible to compete again after October 1, 2023. Santos is also fined $12,500, along with $407.50 for prosecution fees.
Rizvan Kuniev, a heavyweight competitor, tested positive for several anabolic steroids, including drostanolone, metenelone, boldenone, and 19-norandrosterone, as well as another stimulant. Kuniev received a one-year suspension and can return to competition after April 7, 2024. He must pay a fine of $9,000, $326 for prosecution fees, and $495 for additional testing fees. Kuniev’s victory over Renan Ferreira has been changed to a no-contest.
Mohammad Fakhreddine tested positive for drostanolone, stanozolol, and GW1516, a non-specified substance in the class of hormone and metabolic modulators that is banned at all times. He received a one-year suspension and will be eligible to compete again after April 1, 2024. Fakhreddine is fined $6,000, along with $407.50 for prosecution fees.
Cezar Ferreira, a UFC veteran, tested positive for clomiphene and 19-norandrostorone, a metabolite of nandrolone and bolandione, both anabolic steroids. He received a nine-month suspension and can compete again after January 14, 2024. Ferreira is fined $3,000, along with $489 for prosecution fees.
Will Fleury tested positive for an elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio caused by drostanolone, an anabolic steroid. He will be suspended for nine months until January 1, 2024. Fleury must pay a fine of $2,250, as well as $326 for prosecution fees and $495 for testing fees. His victory over Krzysztof Jotko has been changed to a no-contest.
Lastly, Daniel Torres tested positive for drostanolone and amphetamines. He will be suspended for nine months, with eligibility to compete again after January 1, 2024. Torres is fined $2,500, along with $326 for prosecution fees.
All of the listed fighters have been removed from the ongoing 2023 PFL season. The promotion has not yet discussed long-term plans for these athletes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about PFL fighters, banned substances.
Q: Which fighters from the PFL have been suspended and fined for testing positive for banned substances?
A: Rob Wilkinson, Thiago Santos, Rizvan Kuniev, Mohammad Fakhreddine, Cezar Ferreira, Will Fleury, and Daniel Torres have all been suspended and fined for testing positive for banned substances.
Q: What substances did Rob Wilkinson test positive for?
A: Rob Wilkinson tested positive for an elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio, indicating the presence of anabolic androgenic steroids.
Q: What substances did Thiago Santos test positive for?
A: Thiago Santos tested positive for clomiphene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) commonly used as a fertility drug that can also affect testosterone levels in men.
Q: What substances did Rizvan Kuniev test positive for?
A: Rizvan Kuniev tested positive for drostanolone, metenelone, boldenone, 19-norandrosterone (all anabolic steroids), and a separate stimulant.
Q: What substances did Mohammad Fakhreddine test positive for?
A: Mohammad Fakhreddine tested positive for drostanolone, stanozolol (both anabolic steroids), and GW1516, a non-specified substance in the class of hormone and metabolic modulators.
Q: What substances did Cezar Ferreira test positive for?
A: Cezar Ferreira tested positive for clomiphene and 19-norandrostorone, a metabolite of nandrolone and bolandione (both anabolic steroids).
Q: What substances did Will Fleury test positive for?
A: Will Fleury tested positive for an elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio caused by drostanolone, an anabolic steroid.
Q: What substances did Daniel Torres test positive for?
A: Daniel Torres tested positive for drostanolone and amphetamines.
Q: When will the suspended fighters be eligible to compete again?
A: The eligibility dates for the suspended fighters vary. Each fighter has a specific period of suspension, ranging from six months to one year, with dates specified in the answers above.
Q: What are the fines imposed on the fighters?
A: The fines imposed on the fighters range from $2,250 to $12,500, depending on the individual and the substances they tested positive for. Specific details can be found in the respective answers above.
Q: Are there any changes to the fighters’ previous results?
A: Yes, some of the fighters’ previous victories have been changed to no-contests as a result of their positive drug tests. The specific details can be found in the respective answers above.
Q: Have these fighters been removed from the ongoing PFL season?
A: Yes, all of the listed fighters have been removed from the ongoing 2023 PFL season.
More about PFL fighters, banned substances.
- PFL Official Website
- Nevada Athletic Commission
- Rob Wilkinson Fighter Profile
- Thiago Santos Fighter Profile
- Rizvan Kuniev Fighter Profile
- Mohammad Fakhreddine Fighter Profile
- Cezar Ferreira Fighter Profile
- Will Fleury Fighter Profile
- Daniel Torres Fighter Profile
5 comments
OMG! Can’t believe Rob Wilkinson & Thiago Santos tested positive. They were so good in the cage. Suspensions & fines are serious business. Clean up your act, guys!
Rizvan Kuniev, Mohammad Fakhreddine, Cezar Ferreira, Will Fleury, and Daniel Torres all busted too? What a mess! PFL needs to tighten their drug testing protocols.
PFL fighters, you had one job—stay clean! This tarnishes the reputation of the whole league. Time for some serious soul-searching and clean fighting from here on out.
Those substances sound like something out of a sci-fi movie! These fighters need to follow the rules, or it’s game over. PFL must take action to maintain the integrity of the sport.
oh man, these PFL fighters in big trouble. testing positive for banned stuff? not cool. rob wilkinson & thiago santos got suspended & fined. hope they learn their lesson.