UFC Flyweight Felipe Bunes Suspended 6 Months for Failed Drug Test

Hi everyone. My fight has been cancelled due to a drug test subject to further analysis. I have provided all the necessary information and I hope to have all this sorted out in the coming days so I can fight soon.

Thank you.

— Felipinho Bunes (@BunesFelipinho) June 16, 2023

Felipe Bunes’ Ultimate Fighting Championship debut will have to wait a little longer.

The flyweight competitor was suspended for six months and fined $326 in legal fees at a Nevada State Athletic Commission meeting on Tuesday after testing positive for the metabolic modulator GW1516 earlier this year. As a result of the positive test, Bunes’ Octagon debut against Zhalgas Zhumagulov at UFC on ESPN 47 on June 17 was canceled.

Bunes, who will be eligible to return to active competition on Dec. 17, announced the failed drug test on social media shortly after he learned of the results.

A 33-year-old Pitbull Brothers export, Bunes has compiled a 13-6 mark since beginning his professional career in 2011. “Felipinho” has won three of his last four outings dating back to 2021, including back-to-back triumphs under the Legacy Fighting Alliance banner.