UFC’s Braxton Smith receives two-year ban for failed drug test

Braxton Smith, a UFC heavyweight, has accepted a two-year sanction from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency after failing a drug test.

The suspension was confirmed by USADA on Tuesday, citing the presence of exogenous administration of testosterone and/or its precursors in Smith’s out-of-competition samples in April and early May, as well as in-competition from a sample taken on the day of his debut loss to Parker Porter at UFC 288 in May.

USADA stated that the two pre-fight failures were not notified to Smith, resulting in the three positive tests being combined into a single violation.

During his pay-per-view matchup, Smith suffered a first-round knockout loss to Porter. Prior to joining the UFC, he achieved five consecutive opening round knockout victories from May 2022 to March 2023, following an eight-year absence from MMA competition.

All gas, no brakes for Parker Porter ⛽️ #UFC288 pic.twitter.com/1fslLswr6Q

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) May 6, 2023

According to USADA, Smith’s eligibility to return is set for April 19, 2025. However, his positive tests are also subject to the New Jersey State Athletic Commission’s jurisdiction, potentially leading to additional punishment related to the May PPV event.

In an announcement made by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, it was revealed that Braxton Smith, a UFC heavyweight, has received a two-year suspension after his urine sample tested positive for the presence of exogenous administration of testosterone and its precursors.

The positive results were from two out-of-competition tests conducted on April 19 and May 4, as well as an in-competition test on May 6.

USADA utilized a specialized test called Carbon Isotope Ratio (CIR) testing, which distinguishes between naturally produced anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) and prohibited anabolic agents of external origin, to analyze Smith’s urine sample.

Braxton Smith has accepted a two year suspension from USADA. Smith tested positive for exogenous administration of testosterone #UFC #USADA #MMA #MMATwitter pic.twitter.com/ExkQyvVNLU

— Jason Hagholm (@JHagholm1) June 27, 2023

The CIR test confirmed the presence of testosterone and/or its metabolites of external origin, which fall under the category of 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.

Since Smith was only notified of his failures after the third sample was already submitted, the three tests were considered a single violation. These tests were conducted in relation to his bout against Parker Porter at UFC 288 on May 6, where Smith suffered a first-round TKO loss.

While Smith will be eligible to return to competition on April 19, 2025, according to USADA standards, the New Jersey State Athletic Commission has yet to make a public ruling on the matter, potentially resulting in different sanctions for Smith.

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