Rachael Ostovich Suspended By USADA

Already a year away from the octagon, Rachael Ostovich will be out for a longer period of time.

In a release, USADA announced that Ostovich (4-5) has been suspended one year for violating the organization’s anti-doping policy. She ended up testing positive for ostarine and GW1516 metabolites dating back to a sample collection on January 3. However, due to a “four-month credit” after serving a suspension in 2019 for an “atypical finding”, Ostovich can return to action by August 3.

It was determined that she unknowingly used the substance in question, but because it is on USADA’s list, a flag was thrown.

“The product label listed another prohibited substance, but Ostovich-Berdon did not realize at the time that it was prohibited. Consistent with other cases with similar circumstances, USADA determined that a small reduction from the default two-year period of ineligibility was justified,” USADA stated in a release.

“Ostovich-Berdon received an additional reduction to the otherwise applicable period of ineligibility for her Full and Complete Cooperation. Under the revised UFC ADP announced on November 25, 2019, a Full and Complete Cooperation reduction may be granted in the event that an athlete demonstrates that they did not intend to enhance their performance and provided full, prompt, and truthful responses and information to all reasonable inquiries and requests for information.”

Ostovich is currently on a two-fight losing streak. The former Invicta star and Ultimate Fighter alum fought in January 2019, losing to Paige VanZant via submission. She was supposed to fight in August 2019 but was taken off the fight card. The 29-year-old was meant to return in February 2020 against Shana Dobson, but she tested positive for ostarine.

Ostarine has been a recurring issue with MMA fighters over the past few years. This is the case with Josh Barnett and fighters who haven’t been as active. The UFC currently has no planned fights for Ostovich within the next few months.