Defending light heavyweight champion Rob Wilkinson was one of seven fighters who received sanctions from the NSAC. Wilkinson, who defeated ex-UFC title challenger Thiago Santos via unanimous decision in the PFL 1 main event on April 1, tested positive for an elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio resulting from the androgynous origin of testosterone in relation to that bout. As a result, he was suspended nine months and fined $7,500 along with $821 in legal feels. Additionally, Wilkinson’s victory was overturned to a no contest.
Santos, one of the organization’s high-profile free agent signings, did not emerge unscathed. “Marreta” tested positive for clomiphene, an estrogen receptor module, in relation to the bout and was suspended six months and fined $12,500 along with $407.50 in legal fees.
Meanwhile, Rizvan Kuniev tested positive for the following after his unanimous decision win over Renan Ferreira at PFL 2 on April 7: drostanolone, methenolone, boldenone and 19-norandrosterone. Kuniev has been suspended for one year and fined $9,000 along with $821 in fees. His victory was also overturned to a no contest.
Will Fleury tested positive for drostanolone in relation to a unanimous decision victory against Krzysztof Jotko at PFL 1 on April 1. The Irish light heavyweight has been suspended nine months and fined $2,250 along with $821 in fees. His victory was overturned to a no contest.
Three others who were not victorious at recent PFL events also received punishment on Monday.
Daniel Torres test positive for drostanolone and amphetamine in relation to a loss to Alejandro Flores at PFL 1 on April 1 and was suspended nine months and fined $2,500 along with $326 fees. The result of the bout was overturned to no contest due to Flores failing a drug test and receiving sanctions at a previous NSAC meeting.
Mohammad Fakhreddine tested positive for stanozolol, dronastalone and GW1516 in relation to a loss to Marthin Hamlet at PFL 1 on April 1 and was suspended one year and fined $6,000 along with $407.50 in fees.
Cezar Ferreira test positive for clomiphene and androstanolone in relation to a loss to Denis Goltsov at PFL 3 on April 14 and was suspended nine months and fined $3,000 along with $489 in fees.
All of the aforementioned fighters have been removed from the 2023 PFL season.