UFC heavyweight Chase Sherman has accepted a nine-month U.S. Anti-Doping Agency suspension after testing positive for anastrozole as the result of an in-competition sample collected earlier this year.
The test was conducted May 13, the day of his TKO win over Ike Villanueva at UFC on ESPN+ 29 fight.
According to a statement by USADA issued on Tuesday, “Anastrozole is a specified substance in the class of hormone and metabolic modulators and is prohibited at all times under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy and UFC Prohibited List.”
Sherman (13-6 MMA, 3-4 UFC) provided “sufficient evidence that his use of anastrozole occurred prior to entering the program,” but did not disclose his use of anastrozole prior to the fight. His sanction was reduced as he fully cooperated in the investigation and showed he did not intend to enhance his performance.
Since the suspension is retroactive to the day of the test, Sherman will be eligible to fight again on Feb. 13, 2021. Sherman could potentially receive further sanction from the Florida State Boxing Commission, who oversaw the event, including overturning the result of the fight.
Sherman, 30, is currently in his second stint with the promotion. He is on a four-fight TKO winning streak.