4. Amanda Ribas
Amanda Ribas is a promising strawweight fighting out of American Top Team. In June she was pulled from her debut fight due to a failed USADA test.
The 23-year-old is adamant that she would never use PEDs:
“I have been competing at a high level in judo and bjj since I was very young,” Ribas said in the message. “Recently, I have achieved my dream of fighting in the UFC. I’m completely against any form of cheating in sports, as the use of PEDs. During my whole career I have never made use of any illegal substance, and I did not use anything now. I have no idea as to the origin of my positive test with USADA, I am working with USADA along with my managers and trainers to find out how this happened, I will prove my innocence, I will fight in the UFC and I will become UFC champ!”
We don’t know if Ribas is telling the truth or not, but she certainly sounds sincere. Unfortunately, it is very difficult for athletes in Ribas’ situation to prove their innocence.
