USADA suspends UFC's Ashlee Evans-Smith after she was 'incorrectly prescribed' steroid

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), which oversees the UFC drug testing program, has announced a suspension for Ashlee Evans-Smith.

Evans-Smith (6-5 MMA, 3-5 UFC), who most recently competed in November 2020, has accepted a 14-month suspension from USADA after she tested for a banned substance that she ultimately proved was in her system after being wrongfully prescribed by a doctor.

The 34-year-old was flagged for an anabolic steroid after an out-of-competition urine sample collected in early January showed the presence of a banned substance. After being notified, Evans-Smith provided medical records proving she did not knowingly take the steroid.

USADA provided a statement with additional details on Evans-Smith’s case:

Evans-Smith 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 will be eligible to return to competition March 3, 2023. She’s currently in the midst of a slump of four losses in her past five fights, including a unanimous decision defeat to Norma Dumont in her most recent bout at UFC on ESPN 18.