UFC Strawweight Iasmin Lucindo Suspended Following Positive Mesterolone Test, Team Alleges Supplement Contamination

UFC strawweight contender Iasmin Lucindo has been provisionally suspended from competition following a positive test for mesterolone, an androgen and anabolic steroid. The detection of the prohibited substance led to the 23-year-old Brazilian’s immediate withdrawal from her scheduled bout against Gillian Robertson on December 13. Lucindo’s management team has confirmed the positive test, stating that they are actively investigating the possibility of a contaminated dietary supplement as the source and are collaborating with the UFC’s anti-doping partners.

The positive sample was collected in September, subsequent to Lucindo’s decision victory over veteran Angela Hill in August. Mesterolone is classified as a banned substance at all times under the UFC’s anti-doping policy, a stringent framework designed to ensure fair play and athlete safety. Typically prescribed for the treatment of low testosterone in men, mesterolone is also known to be misused in sports for its anabolic properties, which can aid in muscle growth and performance enhancement.

The Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC), under whose jurisdiction the December 13 event in Las Vegas falls, issued the temporary suspension. This action is standard procedure when an athlete competing under the commission’s purview tests positive for a prohibited substance, pending a full investigation and hearing. Lucindo’s team is now tasked with preparing a robust defense, which hinges on proving the inadvertent ingestion of the banned substance through a tainted product.

In a statement provided to MMA Fighting, Lucindo’s representatives outlined the chronology and the core of their defense. They noted that Lucindo underwent testing in August following her fight with Hill, yielding a negative result. Crucially, another test conducted in October also returned negative for prohibited substances. These preceding and subsequent negative tests are expected to form a key part of their argument, suggesting that the September positive result was an isolated incident rather than indicative of intentional or prolonged use.

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"In late September, Iasmin was flagged for metabolites of a prohibited substance," the statement read. "However, she was tested in August after her fight, with the result returning negative, and again in October, which also came back negative. Iasmin has not knowingly used any prohibited substances and based on the amount and type of the detected metabolites, we firmly believe that this is a case of contamination rather than intentional use. We are working diligently, in collaboration with Drug Free Sports and the UFC, to identify the source of this contamination."

The statement further detailed the ongoing efforts to pinpoint the source of contamination. "As we stand, we have identified two supplements that align with the timeline of the tests. These samples have been sent to the SMARTL labs in Utah for comprehensive testing, with the hope of uncovering the cause and ensuring transparency for all involved. Since the test was conducted while Iasmin was booked to fight in Las Vegas, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) has jurisdiction over this matter and we are working with them as well to clear the situation."

The "tainted supplement" defense is a recognized, albeit challenging, argument within anti-doping circles. Athletes bear the burden of strict liability, meaning they are responsible for any substance found in their system, regardless of intent. However, anti-doping organizations often consider cases where athletes can definitively prove that a prohibited substance entered their system accidentally through a contaminated product. The success of such a defense typically relies on compelling evidence, including laboratory analysis of the implicated supplements, detailed documentation of supplement use, and a demonstration that the athlete exercised due diligence in their product selection. Organizations like NSF International’s "Certified for Sport" program exist to help athletes identify supplements that have been independently tested for banned substances and contaminants, mitigating such risks.

Lucindo’s professional mixed martial arts career, which began at a remarkably young age, has seen her compile a record of 18 wins and 6 losses. She made her UFC debut in August 2022, facing Yazmin Jauregui, and has since established herself as a dynamic and aggressive force in the strawweight division. Her UFC record stands at 4 wins and 2 losses, marking a promising ascent in the competitive ranks.

Prior to her recent win over Angela Hill, a fight where she showcased her relentless pressure and striking prowess, Lucindo had secured notable victories against seasoned veterans. In February 2024, she defeated former strawweight title challenger Karolina Kowalkiewicz via unanimous decision, a significant step up in competition. This followed a dominant performance against Polyana Viana in August 2023 and a decision win over Brogan Walker in April 2023. Her only other UFC loss came in a closely contested bout against former title challenger Amanda Lemos in March 2024. Lucindo’s aggressive style and youth have positioned her as a fighter with considerable potential in the 115-pound division, making this current anti-doping issue a significant disruption to her burgeoning career.

The detection of specific metabolites, and their concentration levels, can sometimes provide clues as to whether the ingestion was acute and accidental or chronic and intentional. Low levels of metabolites, as suggested by Lucindo’s team, can sometimes support a contamination claim, as can a pattern of negative tests before and after the positive one. The SMARTL labs in Utah, where the identified supplements have been sent, are accredited facilities capable of conducting advanced forensic analysis to detect trace amounts of prohibited substances in products. Their findings will be critical in substantiating Lucindo’s defense.

For the Nevada Athletic Commission, the process will involve reviewing all submitted evidence, including the lab results, Lucindo’s testimony, and any supporting documentation. The commission will then determine if a violation occurred and, if so, the appropriate sanction, which could range from a warning to a lengthy suspension, fines, and the overturning of any victories achieved during the period of violation. The UFC’s anti-doping program, now administered by Drug Free Sports International after a long partnership with USADA, aims to maintain the integrity of the sport through rigorous testing and fair adjudication processes.

This incident underscores the constant vigilance required from professional athletes regarding their supplement intake. The supplement industry, while offering many beneficial products, also presents inherent risks due to potential manufacturing errors or intentional adulteration with undeclared prohibited substances. Athletes, often relying on a complex regimen of nutritional aids to optimize performance and recovery, must navigate this landscape with extreme caution. The financial and reputational ramifications of a positive test, even an unintentional one, can be severe and long-lasting.

As the investigation progresses, the focus will remain on the scientific evidence emerging from the supplement testing. The outcome of this case will not only determine Iasmin Lucindo’s immediate future in the UFC but may also serve as a cautionary tale within the broader combat sports community regarding the perils of supplement use and the complexities of anti-doping enforcement.