Here’s a bombshell that’s rocking the MMA world: UFC newcomer Levi Rodrigues, who wowed Dana White and secured a contract on the Contender Series, has now found himself in hot water after testing positive for a banned substance. But here’s where it gets controversial—his team claims the positive test stems from medication he took over a year ago to recover from a career-threatening injury. Could this be a case of outdated traces or a genuine oversight? Let’s dive in.
Updated Dec. 16, 2025, 12:18 p.m. ET
Levi Rodrigues, the undefeated fighter with a 6-0 MMA record, was set to make waves in the UFC after his impressive first-round TKO victory over Freddy Vidal in Las Vegas on Oct. 14. However, a drug test administered by the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) revealed the presence of nandrolone, a prohibited substance. Lucas Lutkus, Rodrigues’ manager at All In Sports Management, broke the news to MMA Junkie on Tuesday, leaving fans and critics alike scratching their heads.
And this is the part most people miss—Rodrigues’ positive test wasn’t exactly a surprise to his team, but the timing of it has raised eyebrows. According to Lutkus, Rodrigues used nandrolone between May and July 2024 as part of his treatment for a severe back injury. The fighter had been sidelined for nearly two years, from May 2023 to April 2025, after a herniated disc left him bedridden and unable to perform even basic tasks, including going to the bathroom unassisted. The medication was a last resort to help him recover and return to his job as a construction worker to support his family.
Here’s the kicker: medical studies indicate that nandrolone can remain detectable in the body for up to 18 months. Lutkus believes this is the likely explanation for the failed test, especially since Rodrigues had stopped using the substance over a year before his Contender Series bout. The fighter had also disclosed all other supplements and products to the UFC, as required, before his onboarding.
Rodrigues’ case was on the agenda for the NAC’s monthly meeting on Tuesday, but a decision on potential suspension or fines was not finalized. He remains on temporary suspension until the matter is resolved. Lutkus emphasized that Rodrigues will fully cooperate with both the NAC and the UFC throughout the process.
In a detailed statement to MMA Junkie, Lutkus explained:
'Levi Rodrigues tested positive for Nandrolone, a substance he used in 2024 during a prolonged recovery from multiple injuries, including a severe herniated disc. At the time, he was not under contract, had no fights scheduled, and was unsure if he’d ever return to MMA. The substance was used solely for physical recovery, not to gain a competitive edge. After recovering, Levi returned to competition in 2025, earning wins in April and September. When he received a short-notice opportunity for the Contender Series in October 2025, he did not believe disclosure was necessary, as over 12 months had passed since using the substance. Unfortunately, this appears to be a case where the metabolites remained detectable beyond the expected timeframe.'
Lutkus added that Rodrigues has no history of anti-doping violations and respects the NAC’s process, accepting their ruling while pledging full compliance moving forward.
Now, here’s the million-dollar question: What happens to Rodrigues’ UFC contract? History shows the promotion has been inconsistent in such cases. Antonio Trocoli had his contract rescinded in 2019 after a failed drug test, while Lukasz Brzeski faced no such punishment in 2021. Will Rodrigues keep his contract, or will the UFC take a hardline stance? Only time will tell.
This situation raises broader questions about the longevity of banned substances in athletes’ systems and the fairness of penalties for outdated traces. Should fighters be held accountable for medication taken years before a bout, especially when it’s for legitimate medical reasons? Weigh in below—do you think Rodrigues deserves a second chance, or should the rules remain unforgiving? Let the debate begin!
