Ricardo Abreu Retires After Receiving 4-Year Suspension for Second Anti-Doping Violation

Two-time UFC competitor Ricardo Abreu has elected to retire after receiving a four-year suspension from USADA for a second failed drug test within a six-month period.

According to a statement from USADA, Abreu “tested positive for 19-norandrosterone (19-NA), the main urinary metabolite of nandrolone (19-nortestosterone) and other 19-norsteroids, above the decision limit of 3.4 ng/mL following an out-of-competition urine test conducted on December 21, 2016. In accordance with standard practice, the exogenous, or non-natural, origin of the 19-NA was further confirmed by sophisticated carbon isotope-ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) analysis, which can reveal the presence of synthetic anabolic agents. In this case, the GC/C/IRMS analysis result was consistent with the exogenous origin of 19-NA. Anabolic Agents, including 19-NA, are non-Specified Substances prohibited at all times under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, which has adopted the WADA Prohibited List.”

After being informed of his positive test on Feb. 1, Abreu announced his retirement. Had he remained active, his four-year sanction would have begun on May 4. Instead, Abreu’s suspension will resume if and when he informs USADA and the UFC of a return to fighting.

Previously, Abreu tested positive for 19-norandrosterone (19-NA) above the decision limit of 3 ng/mL and 19-noretiocholanolone in an out of competition test administered on June 3, 2016. The 33-year-old Brazilian was initially suspended for two years following the failed test and was eligible to return on July 1, 2018.

Abreu went 5-1 over the course of a pro MMA career that began in 2011. He debuted in the Octagon with a second-round submission of Wagner Silva Gomes at “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3” finale before dropping a split decision to Jake Collier at UFC Fight Night 68 in June 2015. Abreu has not competed since the loss to Collier.