UFC's Melissa Gatto suspended one year for USADA violation

UFC bantamweight Melissa Gatto has been suspended one year for a violation of U.S Anti-Doping Agency policy.

Gatto ran afoul of regulators by flunking an out-of-competition drug test administered on June 5, and USADA announced the punishment on Thursday.

The Brazilian competitor tested positive for furosemide, a banned diuretic.

“Gatto Regonha, 23, tested positive for furosemide as the result of an out-of-competition urine sample she provided on June 5, 2019,” USADA stated. “Furosemide is a Specified Substance in the class of Diuretics and Masking Agents and prohibited at all times under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, which has adopted the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.

“Gatto Regonha’s one-year period of ineligibility began on June 5, 2019, the date her positive sample was collected. Regonha’s positive test also falls under the jurisdiction of the Nevada State [sic] Athletic Commission, which has imposed a sanction in accordance with its rules.”

Gatto (6-0-2), who fights out of Sao Paulo, has yet to compete in the UFC. She had been slated to fight Julia Avila at UFC 239. Gatto was pulled from the card when she was informed of the potential violation, then she publicly disclosed the reason for her withdrawal.

She’ll be eligible to re-apply for her license on June 5, which is one year to the day of her failed drug test.