Just when you thought we’d close out 2016 without any more drama, Cyborg reminds everyone that there’s rarely a dull moment in the UFC.
The UFC dropped the bombshell on Thursday that USADA notified Cristiane Justino of a potential violation stemming from an out-of-competition drug test administered on December 5.
Since signing for the big leagues in 2015, Cyborg had built herself up to be one of the promotion’s most bankable Brazilian stars with her sensational performances inside the Octagon. She lived up to her reputation as a knockout artist by starching Leslie Smith in her promotional debut before being made the headline act for her second outing against Lina Landsberg, which also ended with fireworks.
The UFC recently announced the introduction of a new women’s featherweight division, but Cyborg was forced out of the inaugural title fight citing issues relating to her last weight cut. Former women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm and Germaine de Randamie were booked for the February 11 bout instead.
Cris Cyborg testing in 2016
All previous tests in camp, this was her first "random" of the year. #UFC #USADA pic.twitter.com/aIEBSn7Qny
— Dave/Dim (@dimspace) December 22, 2016
Cyborg’s boyfriend and representative Ray Elbe has shed some light on her positive drug test on the popular MMA message board The Underground. He claims that the knockout monster did not get popped for a PED, but rather for medication she was prescribed following her last weight cut.
“Not for a steroid, and she has a prescription as part of the post fight therapy she’s been receiving due to the severe weight cut. This has been known for a few days, and Cris’ doctor has been in direct contact with USADA turning over all the necessary patient files to document the reasons Cris needs the medication.”
“Cris had issues with her kidneys and blood pressure, and that’s part of a prescription she’s been seeking for therapy. Cris doctor works with several Olympic and UFC athletes who are also under USADA testing and this was part of the treatment given to her the Monday after the weigh-ins.”
Elbe expects Justino to face some punishment as a result of the failed test but doesn’t believe she’s guilty of any foul play.
“Cris has not misused the prescription and has been assisting USADA with every request. I’m not a doctor, and so I don’t know the specifics of the prescription and the treatment purpose of each ingredient, but this treatment process is the reason Cris turned down a fight Feb. 11, as her doctor said the three cuts in eight months were damaging her body.”
“I suspect her doctor (will) speak to the media about the specifics eventually.”
“Cyborg” has a No Contest on her record after testing positive for stanozolol (anabolic steroid) after knocking out Hiroko Yamanaka in her final Strikeforce bout.
