In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the Brazilian jiu-jitsu community, five elite BJJ athletes, including Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu, have been handed three-year suspensions from the competition by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). The suspensions resulted from testing conducted during and after the 2022 No-Gi World Championships.
USADA Issue Bans
The news broke just a few a days ago, with FloGrappling being the first to report on the matter. According to their report, Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu, Vagner Rocha, Jose Henrique Cardoso, Jonnatas Gracie, and Igor Feliz have all been suspended because of the USADA’s findings.
Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu – Tested positive for exogenous testosterone and its metabolites as the result of an out-of-competition urine sample collected on December 20, 2022. He accepted a three-year period of ineligibility that began on January 27, 2023, the date he was provisionally suspended from competition.
Vagner Rocha – Refused to submit to sample collection after being notified by a USADA doping control officer during an out-of-competition test on December 23, 2022. He accepted a three-year period of ineligibility that began on January 11, 2023, the date he was provisionally suspended from competition.
Jonnatas Gracie – Tested positive for 19-nor androsterone (19-NA), a metabolite of nandrolone and other prohibited 19-norsteroids, and exogenous testosterone and its metabolites as the result of an in-competition urine sample collected at No-Gi Worlds. He accepted a three-year period of ineligibility.
The news is a huge blow to the reputations and careers of these talented athletes, who had been seen as some of the top performers in their respective weight classes. Roberto Abreu, also known as “Cyborg”, is a decorated black belt with a long list of titles to his name. Vagner Rocha, meanwhile, is known for his powerful submission game and impressive grappling skills.
Jose Henrique Cardoso, Jonnatas Gracie, and Igor Feliz are all highly-regarded competitors in their own right, with strong records in international tournaments. The suspensions will undoubtedly have a significant impact on their competitive futures, leaving them unable to participate in any BJJ competitions for the next three years.
Cyborg Blames Lack of Money
The USADA’s decision to suspend these athletes sends a clear message about the organization’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport. Doping has long been a concern in combat sports, and the USADA’s rigorous testing protocols are designed to ensure a level playing field for all competitors.
The suspensions of these five elite BJJ athletes will undoubtedly have a ripple effect throughout the grappling community. It remains to be seen how their absence will affect upcoming tournaments and events, but one thing is certain: this news has sent shockwaves through the sport, and its impact will be felt for years to come.
Cyborg made a statement, showing no remorse, justifying PED use and blaming the IBJJF for not paying athletes (sic):
“Please no hypocrisy. The world needs to get over the fact that if athletes like us are going to train as hard as we do; as often as we do; as intensely as we do; for as many years as we have, then we all have to take the steps necessary to make sure we can recover and keep training. I’m 42 years old completing 43 this year, and I believe nobody has ever done what I’m doing at this moment, winning worlds at adult division at 40/41/42 three years consecutive being the best Heavy weight NoGi in history of Ibjjf winning 7 titles on Ultra Heavy Division division and 1 absolute. Having my opponents most of the time being much bigger and almost 20 Years younger then me… I’m not bragging, but this is incredible And a great mark for us older guys.” Read the full statement here.
