Priscila Cachoeira Accepts Four-Month USADA Suspension for Anti-Doping Violation

Three-time UFC flyweight competitor Priscila Cachoeira has accepted a four-month suspension for an anti-doping violation stemming from an out of competition drug test, USADA announced Wednesday.

Cachoeira tested positive hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and its metabolites chlorothiazide and 4amino-6chloro-1,3-benzenedisulfonamide (ACB), which are in the category of diuretics and masking agents. The Brazilian received a reduced sanction because she was able to prove that the positive test was a result of a blood pressure medication.

Her four-month suspension is retroactive to Oct. 12, the date the positive sample was collected. Cachoeira will be eligible to return to active competition in February.

Cachoeira began her pro career with an 8-0 mark before losing her first three Octagon appearances, including a notable beatdown at the hands of reigning 125-pound queen Valentina Shevchenko in her promotional debut at UFC Fight Night 125. Most recently, the Parana Vale Tudo product dropped a unanimous verdict to Luana Carolina at UFC 237 in May.

The full USADA statement regarding Cachoeira is as follows:

USADA announced today that Priscila Cachoeira Gomes da Silva, of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has accepted a four-month sanction for a violation of the UFC® Anti-Doping Policy after testing positive for a prohibited substance.

Cachoeira, 31, tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and its metabolites chlorothiazide and 4amino-6chloro-1,3-benzenedisulfonamide (ACB) as the result of an out-of-competition urine sample she provided on October 12, 2019. These substances are Specified Substances in the class of Diuretics and Masking Agents and prohibited at all times under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, which has adopted the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.

During USADA’s investigation into the circumstances of the positive test, Cachoeira provided evidence that the prohibited substance detected in her sample was from a blood pressure medication given to her by her parent in response to symptoms she was experiencing. Cachoeira did not have or apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption, which is required to authorize the use of a prohibited substance in sport. Based on the specific circumstances, USADA determined that a reduced sanction was appropriate.

Cachoeira’s four-month period of ineligibility began on October 12, 2019, the date her positive sample was collected.