Ketlen Vieira Receives Six-Month PFL Suspension

Ketlen Vieira confirmed she has been issued a six-month suspension by the PFL after failing a drug test associated with her August bout against Cris Cyborg. The suspension is retroactive to the date of the fight, making her eligible to return to competition on March 22, 2027. The specific banned substance was not publicly disclosed.

In a statement provided to MMA Fighting, Vieira attributed the test failure to medication she utilized to treat a persistent knee injury after departing the UFC testing pool. Vieira claimed that she discontinued the treatment upon signing with the PFL, believing sufficient time had passed to clear her system before competing.

Vieira, who lost the contest against Cyborg via unanimous decision, had previously missed weight for the event by seven pounds, citing kidney and stomach pain. She stated that her intent was not to gain a competitive advantage but rather to address her long-term health.