UFC News: Fighter Hit With 4-Year Suspension From New UFC Anti-Doping Partner

This heavyweight veteran had been handed a lengthy suspension.

The first suspension of the post-USADA era of drug testing in the UFC has been made official. 

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The UFC announced late last year that it would be ending its longstanding partnership with USADA from the start of 2024 and continue testing its athletes under a new anti-doping program.

The change was big news at the time but hasn’t really made any headlines in the early part of this year, but now Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) has announced that Walt Harris has accepted a four-year suspension stemming from two different violations from last year.

Harris is currently on a three-fight losing streak.  :: (Jasen Vinlove/USA TODAY Sports)

“The Big Ticket” initially received a one-year ban for adverse findings in samples collected in June and July of last year, but further blood and urine samples collected in August were also positive for another prohibited substance. 

It’s worth noting that while CSAD handled the four-year suspension Harris’ failed tests were collected while USADA was still the UFC’s anti-doping partner, and as of yet there’s been no news of fighters running afoul of CSAD since the start of the year.

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One of the major talking points around the split between USADA and the UFC was the requirements for fighters to enter the testing pool for at least six months prior to competing, and in the latter half of 2023 that seemed to be a serious obstacle keeping Conor McGregor from making his return to the Octagon.

McGregor didn't seem willing to rejoin the USADA testing pool ahead of his return.  :: (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

“The Notorious” now appears to be somewhat at odds with the UFC regarding a return fight against Michael Chandler, but while McGregor seems poised to fight again this year the first suspension of the CSAD era looks like it could be the end of Harris’ career with the promotion.

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