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Cape Town - Former TUF winner Diego Brandao failed a post-UFC 195 drug test on January 2 in Las Vegas.
The suspension was issued on Wednesday by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) after the Brazilian tested positive for marijuana metabolites in an in-competition test (considered in-competition as it was within 12 hours before, and 12 hours after his fight).
In the past we have seen how fighters who fail marijuana tests in the state of Nevada can receive huge suspensions and fines.
Nick Diaz being a perfect example, was suspended for five years and fined $165,000 (later reduced in a NSAC settlement) after failing his third marijuana test.
Brandao (21-9) exceeded the WADA limit of 180 ng/ml as well as the NSAC limit of 150 ng/ml.
The Brazilian was riding a two fight win streak before losing to Brian Ortega at UFC 195, with wins over Jim Hettes and Katsunori Kikuno.
An exciting and aggressive fighter, Brandao holds a 6-4 record in the UFC and has shown great potential in his wins over Dennis Bermudez, Pablo Garza and Daniel Pineda.
A title shot may have been in the picture if Brandao had come out victorious in bigger fights but, unfortunately for him, he has fallen short twice in such fights to Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier. Known for his agressive style, numerous times we have seen pure dominance through one round from the feisty Brazilian, as he likes to swarm his opponent early. Unfortunately this leaves him with little to no gas left in the tank, which has cost him fights in the past.
A full hearing will take place at a future NSAC hearing and a more severe punishment or suspension may be handed to him.
