12-Time UFC Veteran Suspended One Year for Failed Drug Test

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Ultimate Fighting Championship flyweight Maryna Moroz has been suspended for one year after failing an out-of-competition drug test, according to a statement by Combat Sports Anti-Doping.

Moroz tested positive for meldonium in samples provided on June 25 and July 16 in Boca Raton, Florida. Because Moroz was not alerted of the findings in the initial sample when the second was collected, it is considered to be a single violation under the UFC’s anti-doping policy.

Meldonium is listed in the class of hormones and metabolic modulators and is prohibited at all times per the UFC’s anti-doping policy. While meldonium is medically prescribed for cardiovascular, neurological, and metabolic conditions, as a performance enhancer it is known to increase aerobic endurance and shorten recovery time.

CSAD: Moroz Failed to Seek Exemption

“Moroz provided medical documentation that she was under the care of a licensed physician who was treating her reported medical symptoms with meldonium.  However, Moroz did not tell her physician that she was a drug tested athlete, did not check with UFC-provided resources about the prohibited status of meldonium and she did not submit an application for a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) to seek permission to use the otherwise prohibited substance for medical reasons,” read a statement from CSAD.

“CSAD further considered evidence submitted in this case by Moroz that she used the meldonium for a limited amount of time and that during her use of said substance, she did not have any bouts scheduled.  Moroz submitted to a detailed interview with CSAD and as a result, CSAD determined that Moroz satisfied the “complete cooperation” clause of the UFC ADP in her interactions with CSAD.  For these reasons, CSAD determined that an appropriate sanction under these circumstances was 1-year, which is a 1-year reduction from the standard 2-year sanction for meldonium.”

Moroz will be eligible to return to active competition on July 17, 2026. A 33-year-old native of Ukraine, Moroz last appeared at UFC 299 in March 2024, when she dropped a split decision to Joanne Wood — her third consecutive loss within the Las Vegas-based promotion. “The Iron Lady” is 6-6 over the course of a UFC tenure that began in 2015.