UFC Strawweight Amanda Ribas Suspended Two Years by USADA

UFC fighter Amanda Ribas pulled from TUF 25 finale
Credit: Amanda Ribas / Twitter @amandaribasmma1

Before ever making her promotional debut, UFC strawweight Amanda Ribas has been banished two years by USADA.

UFC strawweight Amanda Ribas never made it to the octagon before running afoul of USADA. Now, she’ll have to wait another two years before competing in the UFC. In a press release Wednesday, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced that Ribas had been suspended two years following a positive test for banned substance Ostarine.

Ribas (6-1) was expected to make her promotional debut at The Ultimate Fighter 25 finale last July against Julianna Lima. She was eventually replaced by Tecia Torres.

Per Wednesday’s release, Ostarine falls under the class of Anabolic Agents, which means it is prohibited at all times under the UFC’s Anti-Doping policy. Specifically, “Ostarine, also known as MK-2866 and Enobosarm, is a non-FDA approved selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) that is illegally sold in the United States and worldwide as a performance-enhancing substance. Ostarine is not currently available as a prescription medication in any country, and its unauthorized use may carry serious side effects.”

A USADA Athlete Advisory notes that the substance has been found in no less than 36 supplements to date. In 2015, WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) reported 28 positive tests for ostarine.

Ribas’ two year suspension is the standard for a first offense with a substance in this class, and means she will be out of action until June 7, 2019 — two years from the date she first provided a positive test sample.