UFC bantamweight competitor Ashlee
Evans-Smith has received a 14-month suspension from USADA for
an anti-doping violation.
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Evans-Smith tested positive for “an anabolic androgenic steroid of
exogenous origin” in out-of-competition samples collected on Jan. 3
and Jan. 27. Evans-Smith declared dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on
her doping control forms at the time post samples were collected.
DHEA is a hormone that the body produces in the adrenal gland and
helps to produce other hormones like testoserone and estrogren.
Evans-Smith provided evidence that a physician incorrectly
prescribed DHEA to her, which diminished her degree of fault,
according to USADA. She also received a reduction in her suspension
for her full and complete cooperation. Evans-Smith’s sanction is
retroactive to Jan. 3, the date her first positive sample was
collected. That means she will be eligible to return to action in
March 2023.
The 34-year-old Reign MMA member hasn’t fought since November 2020,
when she dropped a unanimous decision to Norma
Dumont at UFC on ESPN 18. “Rebel Girl” is 3-5 within the Las
Vegas-based promotion, with victories coming against Bec
Rawlings, Veronica
Macedo and Marion
Reneau.
The full USADA statement regarding Evans-Smith is as follows:
USADA announced today that Ashlee
Evans-Smith, of Lake Forest, Calif. has accepted a 14-month
sanction for a violation of the UFC® Anti-Doping Policy.
Evans-Smith, 34, tested positive for the presence of an anabolic
androgenic steroid of exogenous origin following as the result of
urine samples collected out-of-competition on January 3 and January
27, 2022. Exogenous anabolic androgenic steroids are classified as
Non-Specified Substances in the class of Anabolic Agents and are
prohibited at all times under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy and UFC
Prohibited List. Evans-Smith declared dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
on both of her doping control forms completed at the time her
positive samples were collected.
During an investigation into the circumstances of the case,
Evans-Smith provided evidence, including medical records,
indicating that a physician incorrectly prescribed DHEA to her. As
such, USADA determined that Evans-Smith’s degree of fault was
diminished and that she should receive a reduced period of
ineligibility. She also received a reduction for her Full and
Complete Cooperation.
Evans-Smith’s 14-month period of ineligibility began on January 3,
2022, the date her positive sample was collected.