UFC suspends “Russian Ronda” Irina Alekseeva for violating testosterone regulations and criticizes USADA’s handling

Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) announced yesterday that Irina Alekseeva, known as “Russian Ronda” and from the Chelyabinsk Oblast of Russia, has accepted a 12-month suspension for violating the UFC’s anti-doping policy due to elevated testosterone levels consistent with external administration.

The problematic sample was taken on June 21, 2023, when USADA was still responsible for doping tests. According to the UFC, Alekseeva was not informed of her positive test until over four months later, on October 31. By that time, she had already competed against Melissa Mullins on October 14 and lost by unanimous decision.

“Although CSAD was not the independent administrator of the UFC ADP during the time period described above, CSAD recognizes the importance of timely reporting of results from samples collected in the months and weeks prior to a UFC event, BEFORE the event takes place,” the organization said Friday. “CSAD also recognizes that positive results reported more than 4 months after sample collection are unacceptable if the athlete is permitted to participate in a UFC fight in the interim.”

Irina Alekseeva suspended for testosterone consumption

The UFC criticized its former anti-doping partner USADA for what it saw as its “unacceptable” handling of the case, which it said had led to great confusion.

CSAD considered the unique aspects of Alekseeva’s case, including her cooperation, having passed three drug tests prior to the failed one and three more between the test and notification. As a result, they reduced her perceived level of culpability. Alekseeva’s suspension is in effect until October 15, 2024, retroactive to the day after her last fight.

“Under the UFC’s anti-doping program, CSAD may, in its sole discretion, suspend all or part of the period of ineligibility and other consequences imposed in an individual case when it has results administration authority, when the athlete has fully and completely cooperated, when the athlete has not intended to improve their performance, and when they have provided complete, prompt and truthful responses and information,” CSAD said. “CSAD has determined that Alekseeva’s efforts and the evidence in this case meet these criteria and therefore CSAD is reducing the penalty against her to 12 months.”

Since the positive test came before a fight in Las Vegas, the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) could also take action. Alekseeva has not appeared on the NAC’s agenda so far, but that could change at its next meeting on July 30. Alekseeva and her team have not yet commented on the matter.

Published on July 20, 2024 at 9:20 am

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