Ion Cutelaba Accepts Six Month Suspension From USADA

MMA Junkie reports that UFC light heavyweight Ion Cutelaba has accepted a suspension of six months from the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). Cutelaba (13-3 MMA, 2-2 UFC) admitted that he had ozone therapy on paperwork filed with two out of competition drug tests on October 18 and 19, 2017. USADA asked for more information and learned from documents from Cutelaba’s doctor that the process included a blood transfusion. Blood transfusion is on the 2018 WADA prohibited list, under manipulation of blood and blood components.

USADA said in a statement: “The WADA Prohibited List prohibits the administration or reintroduction of blood or red blood cell products of any origin or quantity in the circulatory system, unless a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption has been obtained. While Cutelaba was unaware of the violation and declared the treatment on his doping control paperwork, he was unable to refute the documentation provided.”

Since Cutelaba admitted to the procedure, USADA reduced his suspension to six months. His ineligibility started on November 3, which was when he was suspended and pulled from his UFC 217 fight with Michael Oleksiejczuk. If he didn’t admit to the procedure, he was set to be suspended for two years. He will be eligible to fight again on May 6.