USADA has suspended UFC lightweight and fan favorite Bobby Green six months after he mistakenly ingested a steroid.
The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, which oversees the UFC drug testing program, has announced a suspension for Bobby Green.
Green (29-13-1 MMA, 10-8-1 UFC), who most recently competed in February, has accepted a six-month suspension from USADA after he tested for a banned substance following the ingestion of an over-the-counter supplement that contained dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).
The 36-year-old was flagged for an anabolic steroid after an out-of-competition urine sample collected in May showed the presence of a banned substance. After being notified, Green “provided evidence” he did not knowingly take the steroid, and his cooperation into an investigation led to a reduced punishment.
USADA with additional details on Green’s case:
Green tested positive for the presence of an anabolic androgenic steroid of exogenous origin as the result of a urine sample collected out-of-competition on May 16, 2022. Exogenous anabolic androgenic steroids are Non-Specified Substances in the class of Anabolic Agents and are prohibited at all times under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy and UFC Prohibited List.
During an investigation into the circumstances of the case, Green provided evidence that he purchased dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) as an over-the-counter supplement product at a local retailer. In the U.S., unlike other countries, DHEA can be legally sold as a dietary supplement and is different from other anabolic agents that are regulated as controlled substances. Under the Policy, USADA may also consider the degree of performance enhancement when determining the athlete’s level of fault, and in this case, considered the athlete’s brief use of the supplement.
Given these factors, USADA determined that Green’s degree of fault was diminished and that he should receive a reduced period of ineligibility. He also received a reduction for his Full and Complete Cooperation.
Green will be eligible to return to competition Nov. 16. He’s coming off his first UFC main event, in which he suffered a first-round TKO loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC Fight Night 202. Prior to that, Green had won five of seven fights inside the octagon.
