UFC strawweight Amanda Ribas has had her suspension reduced by USADA, and could be eligible to return to action.
Amanda Ribas’ two year suspension for ostarine has been terminated. Effective immediately. Ribas, who was originally suspended until June 7, 2019, has been sitting on the bench since a positive drug test under USADA (the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency) on June 7, 2017. Ostarine, an anabolic agent (technically a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM), which replicates the effects of testosterone) is banned at all times for UFC athletes under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy.
Since her failure was announced and punishment handed down, numerous health supplements have found to be contaminated with the substance. Recent cases involving Sean O’Malley and Nicco Montano resulted in six month suspensions — far more lenient than than Ribas’ own fate.
In a press release Friday, USADA confirmed that Ribas had seen her suspension terminated. Ribas (6-1) never even got to fight in the UFC, and has not competed since 2016 as a result of the sanction.
She’ll likely be looking to make her return to action as soon as possible.
In Friday’s press release, USADA noted that “the termination of Ribas’ sanction reflects USADA’s recognition of the demonstrated prevalence of ostarine in a wide range of supplement products used by athletes (see USADA High Risk List for more than 70 products) and that ostarine has frequently been found as a product contaminant. The trace amounts of ostarine found in Ribas’ sample was made possible by sensitive laboratory detection capabilities and has been followed by four negative tests.”
As a result, and given that a contaminated supplement was likely behind the positive test, USADA opted to pull the plug on the suspension. Amanda Ribas remains suspended by the NSAC, however, who also banished her for two years. However, according to Friday’s press release, “USADA has informed the Commission of its decision to reduce Ribas’ sanction under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy.”
