Daniel Pineda Has PFL Playoff Wins Overturned Due to Failed Drug Test

Daniel Pineda’s failed drug test cost in October cost him a chance to compete for $1 million in the Professional Fighters League championship. Now that violation has also resulted in a pair of victories being removed from his record.

A drug test revealed Pineda had a high ratio of testosterone to epitestosterone in his system in relation to his PFL playoff wins over Movlid Khaybulaev and Jeremy Kennedy on Oct. 17. Further tests showed the presence of exogenous testosterone in his system.

During a Nevada Athletic Commission meeting on Wednesday, Pineda had those two playoff victories overturned. He also received a six-month suspension and a $12,500 fine. While initially denying use of a banned substance, Pineda received some leniency from the commission for ultimately admitting he was at fault. The fighter was not present at Wednesday’s hearing.

Pineda’s suspension will conclude on April 18. He will be required to submit clean drug tests 30, 15 and three days away from his next fight in Nevada. Pineda was replaced by Alex Gilpin in the PFL featherweight finals. Gilpin would lose a unanimous decision to Lance Palmer, who captured the $1 million prize for the second consecutive year.