NSAC Suspends Four UFC Fighters For Failed Drug Tests

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Multiple fighters were hit with suspensions and fines during a recent Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) hearing, including Tim Elliott who failed a drug test for marijuana stemming from his fight agai…

UFC Fight Night: Elliott v Royval

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Multiple fighters were hit with suspensions and fines during a recent Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) hearing, including Tim Elliott who failed a drug test for marijuana stemming from his fight against Brandon Royval at UFC on ESPN 9 on May 30, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

After catching wind of the news, Elliott — who recently inked a new four-fight deal with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) — asked for some leniency based on the fact that he took the fight on short notice. Thankfully, NSAC officials were more than willing to cooperate and reduced his sentence — which carried a minimum of nine month to a max of two years — and suspended him for a total of four months. He was, however, ordered to pay court costs and forfeit 15-percent of his fight purse.

Also on the docket were Jamahal Hill and Luis Pena — who also failed their respective drug tests for marijuana. Furthermore, Middleweight contender Deron Winn was handed the longest sentence of the four for failing his drug test stemming from UFC 248 for amphetamines. He was suspended for a total of nine months as well as a monetary fine.

Below you will find the complete list op penalties handed out to each fighter, courtesy of MMA Fighting.

  • Jamahal Hill: tested positive for marijuana in connection with UFC on ESPN 9 fight against Klidson Abreu. Six-month suspension, which expires Nov. 20, 15 percent fine of “show” purse, or $1,800, and $218.04 in court fees.
  • Tim Elliott: tested positive for marijuana in connection with UFC on ESPN 9 fight against Brandon Royval. Four-and-a-half month suspension, which expires Oct. 14, 15 percent fine of “show” purse, or $4,650, and $218.04 in court fees.
  • Luis Pena: tested positive for marijuana in connection with UFC on ESPN 12 fight against Khama Worthy. Four-and-a-half month suspension, which expires Nov. 10, 15 percent fine of “show” purse, or $4050, and $218.04 in court fees.
  • Deron Winn: tested positive for amphetamine in connection with his UFC 248 fight against Gerald Meerschaert. Nine month suspension which expires on Dec. 7 2020, $1800 fine and court fees. Will have to pass further drug tests before granted another license to fight in Nevada.

All four of the suspended fighters came up short in their respective fight for which they were suspended for.