Cris 'Cyborg' Justino has been cleared to return to the UFC, after she was granted a retroactive therapeutic use exemption by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).
Cyborg tested positive for a banned substance - a diuretic called spironolactone - last December during an out-of-competition drug test.
The Brazilian fighter stated at the time that she was prescribed the drug by her physician to help her recover following a tough weight cut, but it appears that she did not apply for a therapeutic use exemption at the time.
She also stressed that she did not take the substance for the purpose of enhancing her performance.
USADA investigated the matter and ruled that she is entitled to a retroactive therapeutic use exemption, meaning her provisional suspension has been lifted and no doping violation will be added to her record.
In a statement, USADA officials say:
"Upon notice of her positive test, Justino immediately identified a medication prescribed by her physician for the treatment of a common endocrine disorder as the source of the prohibited substance detected in her sample. She also participated in multiple interviews with USADA’s investigative team and consented to USADA interviewing her physician as well."
"After a thorough investigation of the circumstances that preceded her positive test, which included a comprehensive review of Justino’s documented medical history, USADA accepted Justino’s explanation that her use of spironolactone began in late September, following her bout at UFC Fight Night Brasilia, and was in accordance with her physician’s recommendation for the treatment of a legitimate medical condition."
Cyborg was present at UFC 208, to witness Germaine de Randamie score a victory over Holly Holm in the first-ever UFC women’s featherweight title fight.
And the Invicta champ is keen to get back into the Octagon:
"I am ready to enter fight camp now. If [Germaine de Randamie] is injured and can’t fight I would like a chance to fight Megan Anderson. She is an Interim champion for the belt I own and calling out fighters in the UFC. It only makes sense if [de Randamie] is not ready to fight that the UFC would offer her a contract and a chance to fight me on the biggest stage, inside the UFC Octagon."
"I think it would be a great addition to the June event in Rio if she’s ready to fight."
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