Ketlen Vieira Suspended Six Months Following Failed Drug Test in PFL Debut

Ketlen Vieira has been issued a six-month suspension after failing a drug test in connection with her promotional debut against featherweight champion Cris Cyborg, the UFC veteran confirmed to MMA Fighting following an initial report by Sherdog. The banned substance was not disclosed.

Vieira's suspension is retroactive to the date of the bout, clearing her to return to competition on March 22, 2027. In a statement to MMA Fighting, Vieira explained that she had taken medication to treat a knee injury after parting ways with the UFC and exiting its drug testing pool. She stated that she immediately discontinued all medications upon learning of the opportunity with the PFL, but the substance was nevertheless detected post-fight. Vieira maintained that she did not take the substance to gain a competitive advantage.

Vieira joined the PFL less than a month after defeating Jacqueline Cavalcanti in her final UFC appearance in May, leading to an August booking against Cyborg. Leading up to the contest, Vieira missed weight by seven pounds, citing kidney and stomach pain during her weight cut, and went on to lose via unanimous decision. Vieira stated that because there was no intent to violate any rules, the PFL issued the six-month term to ensure everything is in order prior to her next bout.