These Two UFC Fighters Among USADA’s Most Tested

Two UFC fighters were among the most targeted in USADA’s drug testing program in 2021, according to MMA Junkie’s report.

Those two fighters were TJ Dillashaw and Paulo Costa.

Following a two-year ban for performance-enhancing substances, Dillashaw returned to the octagon. After he lost to Henry Cejudo for the flyweight title, he tested positive for EPO and received a long suspension from USADA.

Dillashaw said he took EPO to help him lose weight and it wasn’t intended to give him an edge in the ring. Over the course of a year, he was tested 25 times by USADA.

In 2021, Dillashaw made his long-awaited comeback to the ring, defeating rising bantamweight Cory Sandhagen by split decision in a candidate for Fight of the Year.

Meanwhile, Costa was tested 23 times in 2021.

In his lone fight of the year, he faced Marvin Vettori in a catchweight encounter, losing by unanimous decision in a back-and-forth battle.

Misha Cirkunov, a middleweight and former light heavyweight, was only ahead of Dillashaw and Costa on the list, having been tested by USADA 27 times.

Dillashaw is hoping for another opportunity at the bantamweight championship as the new year begins, while Costa is hoping to get back on track.