UFC Heavyweight Braxton Smith Suspended 2 Years for Anti-Doping Violation

One-time UFC heavyweight competitor Braxton
Smith has accepted a two-year USADA suspension after multiple
failed drug tests.  

Smith tested positive for exogenous administration of testosterone
and/or its precursors in out-of-competition samples on April 19 and
May 4 and in-competition on May 6. According to USADA, Smith’s
three positive tests were combined into one violation because he
was not notified of his first positive test when he second and
third samples were collected.

“Smith’s urine sample was analyzed using a specialized test, known
as Carbon Isotope Ratio (CIR) testing, that differentiates between
anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) naturally produced by the body
and prohibited anabolic agents of external origin,” the USADA
statement read. “The CIR test confirmed the presence of
testosterone and/or its metabolites of external origin in Smith’s
urine sample. All AAS are non-Specified Substances in the class of
Anabolic Agents and prohibited at all times under the UFC
Anti-Doping Policy and UFC Prohibited List.

“Upon being added to the UFC Anti-Doping Program, athletes are
required to declare prohibited substances they have used in the
previous 12 months. An athlete who makes such declaration will not
be deemed to have committed a violation but, depending on the
substance, may be required to refrain from competition for a period
of at least six months and provide at least two negative samples.
Smith did not declare the use of any AAS on his onboarding
declaration form.”

As a result of the sanctions, Smith will not be eligible to compete
until April 19, 2025 — the date of his first positive test. The
33-year-old Texan made his Octagon debut at UFC 288, where he
suffered a first-round technical knockout loss to Parker
Porter. Smith is also subject to sanctions from the New Jersey
State Athletic Commission as a result of his positive tests.