The use of a banned substance, ostarine, has led to the suspension of UFC fighters Kyler Phillips and Darrius Flowers by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC). Bantamweight fighter Kyler, who has a 10-2 record and is known as ‘The Matrix,’ will have to wait until the NSAC’s disciplinary hearing to present his side of the story.
This failed drug test could potentially derail Phillips’ plans for the future. Meanwhile, Darrius ‘Beast Mode’ Flowers, a welterweight fighter. With a record of 12-5-1 and seven first-round finishes, was also suspended for the same reason. Flowers made his way to the UFC through Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS).
UFC fighters Kyler Phillips and Darrius Flowers have been suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission due to positive drug tests for ostarine. Story headed to @MMAjunkie.
— Nolan King (@mma_kings) March 21, 2023
During the NSAC’s monthly meeting in Las Vegas, the decision was made to suspend the fighters pending a disciplinary hearing. The hearing is expected to take place next month.
Kyler was removed from his scheduled UFC Fight Night bout against Raphael Assuncao on March 11 for undisclosed reasons. It has now been revealed by Nevada deputy attorney general Joel Bekker that Phillips was actually suspended for an anti-doping violation on March 1, which led to his removal from the bout.
Flowers made a lasting impression during his time at DWCS, showcasing his explosive fighting style with a memorable finish. However, the recent failed drug test has left his future uncertain.
Kyler Phillips: Neither the first nor last
Unfortunately, Flowers and Phillips are not the only fighters to have tested positive for ostarine. With Augusto Mendes, Marvin Vettori, Nicco Montano, Sean O’Malley, and Rachael Ostovich all having failed tests for the same banned substance in out-of-competition tests.
Ostarine is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM), a type of drug that can be found in supplements. Although it is not approved by the FDA, according to WebMD.
It works by binding to androgen receptors in the body, which can stimulate muscle growth. However, the presence of ostarine in some supplements can be attributed to contamination. Which may be the reason behind many fighters’ failed drug tests.
What are your thoughts regarding this recent ban on two UFC fighters? Let us know in the comment section below.
