Nevada Commission Suspends Three UFC Fighters for Failed Drug Tests

Three fighters who have recently competed under the Ultimate Fighting Championship banner received fines and suspensions from the Nevada State Athletic Commission on Wednesday.

Heavyweight Chris Barnett was suspended four-and-a-half months and fined $1,036.80 after testing positive for marijuana in relation to a submission loss to Ben Rothwell in his Octagon debut at UFC Fight Night 188 on May 22. Although the NSAC voted in July to no longer sanction fighters who test positive for marijuana, that measure does not exclude fighters like Barnett who faced punishment before the ruling.

Barnett’s suspension is retroactive to the date of his bout and will end on Oct. 6.

Meanwhile, Brazilian heavyweight Rodrigo Nascimento received a six-month sanction and a $1,945.36 fine after testing positive for ritalinic acid, a metabolite of the banned stimulant methylphenidate, in relation to a July 17 bout against Baudot.

Nascimento defeated Baudot via second-round TKO at UFC on ESPN 26, but that result is expected to be overturned to a no contest. Nascimento’s suspension will conclude on Jan. 17.

Finally, Daniel Pineda was suspended nine months and fined $2,554.38 after testing positive for amphetamine in relation to a June 26 matchup against Andre Fili. The UFC Fight Night 190 bout was ruled a no contest when Pineda was rendered unable to continue due to an accidental eye poke. He will be eligibile to return to action on March 26.