Ashlee Evans-Smith Suspended 14 Months for Positive Steroid Test

UFC bantamweight competitor Ashlee Evans-Smith has received a 14-month suspension from USADA for an anti-doping violation.

Evans-Smith tested positive for “an anabolic androgenic steroid of exogenous origin” in out-of-competition samples collected on Jan. 3 and Jan. 27. Evans-Smith declared dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on her doping control forms at the time post samples were collected. DHEA is a hormone that the body produces in the adrenal gland and helps to produce other hormones like testoserone and estrogren.

Evans-Smith provided evidence that a physician incorrectly prescribed DHEA to her, which diminished her degree of fault, according to USADA. She also received a reduction in her suspension for her full and complete cooperation. Evans-Smith’s sanction is retroactive to Jan. 3, the date her first positive sample was collected. That means she will be eligible to return to action in March 2023.

The 34-year-old Reign MMA member hasn’t fought since November 2020, when she dropped a unanimous decision to Norma Dumont at UFC on ESPN 18. “Rebel Girl” is 3-5 within the Las Vegas-based promotion, with victories coming against Bec Rawlings, Veronica Macedo and Marion Reneau.

The full USADA statement regarding Evans-Smith is as follows:

USADA announced today that Ashlee Evans-Smith, of Lake Forest, Calif. has accepted a 14-month sanction for a violation of the UFC® Anti-Doping Policy.

Evans-Smith, 34, tested positive for the presence of an anabolic androgenic steroid of exogenous origin following as the result of urine samples collected out-of-competition on January 3 and January 27, 2022. Exogenous anabolic androgenic steroids are classified as 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. Evans-Smith declared dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on both of her doping control forms completed at the time her positive samples were collected.

During an investigation into the circumstances of the case, Evans-Smith provided evidence, including medical records, indicating that a physician incorrectly prescribed DHEA to her. As such, USADA determined that Evans-Smith’s degree of fault was diminished and that she should receive a reduced period of ineligibility. She also received a reduction for her Full and Complete Cooperation.

Evans-Smith’s 14-month period of ineligibility began on January 3, 2022, the date her positive sample was collected.