PFL heavyweight Daniel James suspended 10 months after 3rd failed drug test in 2 years

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PFL heavyweight Daniel James has been handed a 10-month suspension by the United States Anti-Doping Agency after a failed drug test.

James was suspended under the rules of the PFL’s anti-doping policy, which is governed by USADA.

“James, 42, tested positive for bis-(4-cyanophenyl) methanol, a metabolite of letrozole, as the result of an out-of-competition sample collected on May 8, 2024,” USADA officials said in a statement. “Letrozole is a Specified Substance in the class of Hormone and Metabolic Modulators, subject to a maximum 12-month period of ineligibility, and is prohibited at all times under the PFL Anti-Doping Policy and PFL Prohibited List.

“James received a reduction to the default period of ineligibility for his full and complete cooperation. James’ 10-month period of ineligibility began on May 8, 2024, the date his positive sample was collected.”

Letrozole is an estrogen blocker primarily used to treat breast cancer in women but the drug can also be used to prevent side effects from anabolic steroid abuse.

This is not the first time James has dealt with a suspension after a positive drug test. He was pulled from his Bellator debut back in 2022 following a failure from an out-of-competition drug test administered prior to his fight. James then had his win over Tyrell Fortune overturned to a no-contest after another failed drug test for an anabolic agent.

The latest incident now counts as a third failed drug test for James in the past two years.

James last appeared in the PFL back in April when he scored a first-round stoppage over Marcelo Golm. The result in that fight still stands because James’ failed drug test came from an out-of-competition sample collected just over a month after that bout.

With the 10-month suspension, James won’t be able to return to action until after March 8, 2025.