Quemuel Ottoni, a Brazilian MMA fighter who withdrew from a Contender Series fight due to anxiety, has been suspended for 18 months by the Nevada Athletic Commission after testing positive for the banned substance clomiphene, delaying his ability to compete until March 2026.
Quemuel Ottoni’s had a tough few months. Now, he won’t be able to compete until 2026.
This Brazilian fighter, who once defeated future UFC champ Alex Pereira, withdrew from a Contender Series fight against Kody Steele. Just moments before stepping into the cage, Ottoni decided he wasn’t up for it.
Ottoni’s now facing an 18-month suspension by the Nevada Athletic Commission. Why? He tested positive for clomiphene, a banned hormone and metabolic modulator.
On Tuesday, the commission approved a default judgment against him. Ottoni didn’t respond to their requests about his failed drug test and possible penalties.
So, he’s suspended for 18 months. He can return to action after March 10, 2026.
Though he avoided a fine since he never fought that night, Ottoni still owes $471.12 in attorney fees. He must pay this before getting licensed in Nevada again. If he wants to compete there, he’ll need clean drug tests 30 days, 15 days, and 3 days before his fight.
After dropping out of the Contender Series fight, UFC CEO Dana White suggested it was just nerves. “That’s what this show is all about,” White said. “Sometimes you realize, ‘This isn’t for me.'”
Ottoni later said an “anxiety crisis” led him to pull out. But now he’s dealing with the fallout from using a banned substance, and it’s clear the UFC isn’t eager to have him back soon.