Ketlen Vieira Suspended Six Months After Positive Steroid Test Post-Cyborg Fight

Almost two months following her 30th mixed martial arts win, Cris Cyborg reflected on her August 22 match against fellow Brazilian Ketlen Vieira in Tampa, Florida, calling the situation "extremely unusual." The contest was marked by Vieira missing weight by over seven pounds, turning what was supposed to be a title defense into a non-title fight.

The situation grew more complicated when it was revealed that Vieira tested positive for a banned steroidal substance, according to Mike Mazzulli, director of the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation. Both Vieira's A and B samples, collected during the competition, confirmed the adverse finding.

• Suspension Length: 6 months, retroactive to the fight date
• Substance: Not disclosed by authorities
• Testing Authority: Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation replaced USADA as PFL's anti-doping partner in 2025

Cyborg expressed appreciation for the stringent testing program, stating, "Thank you to Mike Mazzulli and everyone involved in maintaining a serious testing program. I believe clean sport deserves strong enforcement." Vieira has been provisionally suspended while awaiting the results of her requested B sample analysis.

Background on the Bout and Fighters

The match was initially set as Cyborg's first defense of her Professional Fighters League women’s featherweight title. Cyborg, aged 41, had claimed the belt late last year by defeating Australian Sara Collins. Vieira, with nearly a decade of experience in the UFC, held a 10-5 record there, finishing her contract after a victory in May but was not re-signed.

After winning her last UFC fight against Jacqueline Cavalcanti, Vieira was scheduled to challenge Cyborg for the PFL championship. However, her failure to make weight led Cyborg, who made weight successfully, to accept a non-title fight at 153 pounds.

"I still accepted the fight and stepped into the cage knowing I would be giving up a significant physical advantage," said Cyborg.

Vieira explained to MMAFighting.com that she suffered severe kidney and stomach pain before weigh-ins, preventing her from hitting the featherweight limit.

Cyborg added, "Ketlen, I respect you. I know what it takes to step into that cage. I wish you nothing but success moving forward. I know fighters can face difficult circumstances during a fight camp. I have no interest in attacking her personally."

Cyborg Considers Retirement but Plans More Fights

After five rounds against a notably strong opponent, Cyborg felt proud enough of her performance to reconsider retirement plans. Having remained unbeaten for nearly eight years since losing the UFC featherweight title to Amanda Nunes, she intends to compete in two more MMA fights and one boxing match.

The PFL retains the right to match any contracts Cyborg signs, but once that period ends, she will become an unrestricted free agent.

"My career has not been perfect, and I never tried to hide from my past," Cyborg said. "In 2011, I had a positive test for a banned substance, served my suspension, accepted responsibility for what was in my body, and made major changes to how I managed my team and supplements. Since then, I have competed under the most rigorous testing programs in MMA, including those overseen by Mike Mazzulli, and I have continued to pass those tests."

She emphasized the importance of strict, independent testing, saying it safeguards fighters, the sport, and the legacies built throughout their careers.