UFC flyweight Mara Borella has been dealt a staggering 26-year ban from competition by a commission within her home country. That being said, it would appear that the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) will not be abiding by the foreign commissions sanction.
UFC News
Back in 2012, Borella was under investigation by police in Piacenza, Italy. As reported by MMA Today, Borella and her boyfriend were eventually arrested and charged for having allegedly distributed and sold both cocaine and cannabis.
The Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) issued a 15-year suspension to both Borella and her significant other over the incident. Borella has, however, gone on to compete within the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) since receiving her suspension.
Consequently, the CONI went on to issue another 15 years to her total suspension. Borella will not be eligible to compete by CONI’s standards until 2044.
Of course, the UFC is regulated by USADA. In a statement to MMA Junkie, USADA spokesperson Danielle Eurich has gone on to issue a message concerning the matter.
“Following our review, we have determined and then subsequently informed the UFC that Maria Borella is eligible to compete in UFC events because the violation that resulted in her ban by the Italian national anti-doping agency (NADO) is not a recognized offense under the UFC Anti-Doping Program. She was sanctioned by the Italian NADO for her involvement in trafficking street drugs – marijuana and cocaine (prohibited in-competition only) – with no intent to enhance performance.
“The UFC ADP does not consider this a violation because the activity was unrelated to performance enhancement. As such, Ms. Borella remains eligible to compete in UFC events.”
USADA has ultimately decided to permit Borella the ability to compete inside the octagon following a close examination of her CONI suspension.
