Braxton Smith has accepted a two-year sanction from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency for exogenous administration of testosterone, combining three positive tests into a single violation, with potential for additional punishment from the New Jersey State Athletic Commission.
Braxton Smith, the well-known fighter, has agreed to a two-year sanction from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). The sanction confirmation arrived on Tuesday when USADA confirmed Smith’s suspension for “exogenous administration of testosterone and/or its precursors”. The substances were found in two out-of-competition samples collected in April and early May. There was also evidence of the substances in a sample taken on the day of his octagon debut loss to Parker Porter at UFC 288 in May.
USADA provided more information about the matter via a press release. They explained that since Smith was not informed about the two pre-fight failures, the three positive tests have been considered a single violation. The showdown that saw Smith get knocked out by Porter in the first round was a pay-per-view match-up.
Smith’s history before joining UFC is a series of victories. He had five consecutive opening-round knockout victories from May 2022 to March 2023. This came after over eight years of no participation in MMA competition. Now, according to USADA, Smith is eligible to return on April 19, 2025. However, his positive tests also fall under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey State Athletic Commission. This could mean that Smith might face additional punishment from the athletic commission that supervised the May pay-per-view event.