Cris Cyborg has had a history of problems with the UFC’s drug testing program USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency), so when news broke a few days ago about another incident with her in Thailand, everyone assumed the worst.
Cyborg was doing some training at Phuket Top Team in Thailand when the UFC’s drug testers came looking for her to collect a sample. However, a very reputable Bloodyelbow.com reporter said that someone had called the police to prevent them from getting her sample.
“Seems *someone* called the cops on USADA agent sent to get Cris Cyborgs anti-doping sample to try to prevent them taking it for testing…”
Seems *someone* called the cops on USADA agent sent to get Cris Cyborgs anti-doping sample to try to prevent them taking it for testing…
— Iain Kidd (@iainkidd) September 23, 2017
“Claimed the collector doesn’t have the right visa, apparently”
Claimed the collector doesn't have the right visa, apparently
— Iain Kidd (@iainkidd) September 23, 2017
The UFC featherweight champion was quick to respond to the above Tweets and attempted to clear the air immediately.
“During collection process my team was in contact with USADA. We fully support USADA testing in an effort to keep the sport clean.”
During collection process my team was in contact with USADA. We fully support USADA testing in an effort to keep the sport clean.
— #UFC219 CyborgVHolm (@criscyborg) September 24, 2017
Cyborg has faced some issues with USADA in the past, but was eventually cleared of any wrong doing and actually issued her a “TUE” (therapeutic use exemption) for the substance.
“Her use of the medication was not initially disclosed; but more importantly, once contacted by USADA, she immediately identified the medication as the source of her positive test, submitted all necessary medical information and demonstrated that it was being used for legitimate medical purposes without enhancing her performance. Those are the primary considerations when reviewing any TUE application.”
“USADA recognizes that over the course of a career, athletes may experience illnesses or medical conditions that require the use of a particular medication for proper treatment,” USADA wrote in regards to granting Cyborg a TUE. “While athletes are educated and encouraged to apply for a TUE in advance of using a prohibited substance or method, the UFC Anti-Doping Policy permits athletes to file for retroactive TUEs where the use of a prohibited substance or method was medically justified.”
As for the most recent incident, USADA said that Cyborg was in compliance with everything and her sample was sent to a lab in Tokyo. They sent an official statement to MMAfighting.com earlier.
“Ms. Justino fully complied with the sample collection process,” a USADA spokesperson said in the statement. “From collection to delivery, the integrity of the sample was secured, and it is currently being analyzed by the WADA accredited lab in Tokyo. Athletes’ cooperation in providing a requested sample is critical to ensure all athletes’ right to safe and clean sport is protected.”
