Former UFC star Ketlen Vieira receives a six-month ban after testing positive for a banned steroidal substance following her bout with Cris Cyborg.
Former UFC veteran Ketlen Vieira has been handed a six-month suspension after testing positive for a banned steroidal substance. The failed drug test stems from her high-profile title fight against Cris Cyborg under the Professional Fighters League banner.
The athletic commission overseeing the event confirmed that both the A and B samples returned positive results for the prohibited agent. The infraction adds another layer of controversy to an already difficult outing for the former bantamweight contender, according to information published by mmamania.
The revelation marks a severe blow to Vieira as she attempts to establish her career outside of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Regulatory officials and promotion partners have emphasized strict adherence to anti-doping protocols following the transition to new testing oversight.
Ketlen Vieira PFL Suspension Details
The Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation oversaw the event at PFL Tampa on August 22. Director Mike Mazzulli confirmed the positive test results after taking over as the anti-doping partner for the organization in 2025, replacing the United States Anti-Doping Agency.
Both the initial A sample and the subsequent B sample collected during in-competition testing returned identical positive findings for the prohibited steroid. World Anti-Doping Agency guidelines strictly forbid the substance, triggering the mandatory six-month athletic sanction.
Cris Cyborg Fight Fallout and Weight Miss
The bout at PFL Tampa was originally scheduled to headline the card as a championship clash for Cris Cyborg and her featherweight title. However, the stakes changed dramatically when Vieira missed the weight limit by a staggering 7.2 pounds.
Because of the massive weight miss, athletic officials converted the main event into a non-title contest. Cris Cyborg went on to dominate the matchup, securing a lopsided victory via a five-round unanimous decision over her opponent.
Cris Cyborg Reaction to Failed Drug Test
Following the disclosure of the suspension, Cris Cyborg spoke about the situation in an interview with Sherdog. She expressed gratitude toward regulatory director Mike Mazzulli for maintaining a serious and rigorous testing program.
The champion stressed that clean sport truly deserves strong enforcement to protect the integrity of mixed martial arts. Meanwhile, Cyborg remains non-committal about her retirement plans, stating that she wants to see what the future holds.
Ketlen Vieira UFC Departure and Career History
The suspension follows a tumultuous period for Ketlen Vieira, who was released by the Ultimate Fighting Championship earlier in the year despite coming off a victory. During her tenure with the organization, she compiled a solid 10-5 record.
Her resume includes impressive victories over former champions such as Holly Holm and Miesha Tate, alongside notable wins against contenders Cat Zingano and Sara McMann. She also served as the debut opponent for Kayla Harrison in October 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Ketlen Vieira suspended by athletic regulators?
Ketlen Vieira received a six-month suspension after testing positive for a banned steroidal substance following her fight at PFL Tampa.
Who regulated the Cris Cyborg versus Ketlen Vieira fight?
The Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation oversaw the event, with Mike Mazzulli serving as the director of the commission.
What happened to the title status of the Cris Cyborg fight?
The bout was stripped of its championship status and turned into a non-title fight because Ketlen Vieira missed weight by 7.2 pounds.
What notable fighters has Ketlen Vieira defeated in her career?
During her time in the UFC, Ketlen Vieira secured victories over former champions Holly Holm and Miesha Tate, as well as Cat Zingano and Sara McMann.
