Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) world champion Yatan Bueno has been officially suspended for three years by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) after testing positive for a banned substance during the 2024 World International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) Championship. The 27-year-old athlete, known for his dominant performances on the international stage, faces a significant setback as a result of this violation.

The Positive Test

The suspension stems from a failed in-competition drug test on June 2, 2024, during the prestigious IBJJF World Championship. Bueno’s test results revealed the presence of 19-Norandrosterone (19-NA), a metabolite of nandrolone, a synthetic anabolic steroid often associated with muscle growth and recovery. This substance is strictly prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code at all times.

Further analysis using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) confirmed that the nandrolone detected in Bueno’s sample was synthetic, ruling out any possibility of it being a naturally occurring substance in his body.

Bueno’s Explanation and Remorse

In a candid video statement, Bueno addressed the doping violation and explained the difficult circumstances leading to his decision. He revealed that he had been battling a severe shoulder injury since his early days as a purple belt. This injury intensified during the Pan American Championship, where his shoulder dislocated multiple times, leaving him in constant pain. As the World Championship approached, Bueno explored a variety of treatment options, including ozone therapy and physiotherapy, in hopes of healing in time for the competition. However, these methods failed to provide the relief he needed.

Faced with mounting pressure to perform at his best, Bueno ultimately turned to a “deca application,” a steroid injection administered by his doctor to manage the pain. Deca-Durabolin, the substance in question, is commonly used in medical settings for conditions such as anemia and osteoporosis. While it can provide temporary relief for joint pain, it does not heal injuries and is prohibited in all competitive sports.

Bueno expressed regret for his actions, acknowledging the difficult reality that many athletes face when pushing their bodies to the limit. “I think every athlete knows the pressure to push ourselves beyond our limits,” he stated, admitting that he made a poor decision under extreme circumstances.

The Consequences of the Suspension

USADA’s official statement confirmed that Bueno faced a potential four-year suspension. However, due to his prompt admission of guilt and cooperation with the investigation, his suspension was reduced to three years. The ban began on July 12, 2024, and will prohibit Bueno from competing in any IBJJF-sanctioned events or any events governed by WADA Code signatories during this period.

In addition to the suspension, Bueno has been stripped of all titles, medals, points, and prizes earned after June 2, 2024, including his results from the IBJJF World Championship.

USADA’s Commitment to Clean Sport

USADA emphasized its continued dedication to educating athletes on the risks and rules associated with performance-enhancing substances. The organization provides various resources, including a drug reference hotline, educational sessions, and materials to promote clean competition.

Bueno’s Future in BJJ

Despite the suspension, Bueno assured his fans that he remains committed to his career and personal growth. He vowed to continue training and improving, even during this challenging time, and expressed gratitude for the support he has received from his family and fans.

However, Bueno also acknowledged that not everyone would stand by him in the aftermath of his suspension. He accepted that some may criticize his actions, but he remains determined to persevere and move forward.

A Prominent Figure in BJJ

Yatan Bueno’s rise to prominence in the ultra-heavyweight division has been nothing short of remarkable. A black belt under Fernando “Boi” Marques and Ubiratam dos Santos (Jacaré), Bueno has represented some of the top teams in the BJJ world, including the Dream Art Project and Team Fratres.

Throughout his career, Bueno earned multiple World and Pan American titles, along with notable victories over elite competitors like Victor Hugo. His success at the CBJJE World Championships and the AJP Goiania Pro solidified his reputation as one of the top BJJ athletes of his generation.

However, this suspension casts a shadow over his accomplishments and raises questions about his future in competitive BJJ.

The Road Ahead

Yatan Bueno’s three-year suspension serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of doping in sports. While his actions may have been driven by the pressures of competition and injury, his decision to use a banned substance has impacted his legacy in the BJJ community.

As he navigates this challenging period, Bueno’s future in the sport remains uncertain. Whether he can return to the top of the sport after his suspension ends will depend on his ability to rebuild his career and regain the trust of the BJJ world.

For now, Bueno will have to wait and reflect on the choices that led to his suspension, while his supporters continue to hope for his eventual return to competition.

Will the long suspension dissuade other athletes to take PEDs?

The three-year suspension of 2024 IBJJF World Champion Yatan Bueno due to a positive PED test sends a strong message, but whether it will effectively dissuade other Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) athletes from taking performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) remains to be seen. PED use has been a controversial issue in many sports, including BJJ, with some athletes viewing the competitive advantage as outweighing the potential risks. The suspension is only applicable to IBJJF competition. AJP, ADCC, and other pro invitationals do not respect the suspension and in the past suspended champions such as Mica Galvao, Paulo Miyao, Felipe Pena etc have all competed all over the world winning prizes in other organisations while suspended by IBJJF…