Felipe Costa has failed a USADA drug test and has been stripped of his No-GI world title, suspended for a year, and lost all points in competitions after the failed test.
Read USADA’s statement on the failed test below
Felipe Costa Stripped & Suspended
Yesterday, USADA broke the news that reigning No-Gi Worlds champion Felipe Costa failed a drug test.
“Sousa Costa, 25, tested positive for clomiphene as the result of an in-competition drug test conducted at the 2024 World International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship on December 14, 2024.
After a thorough review of the case, USADA determined that Sousa Costa’s positive test was caused by a medication prescribed for therapeutic purposes under the care of a physician. Although the substance was taken at the direction of a physician, Sousa Costa did not meet the criteria for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). The Code requires that athletes obtain a TUE before using a prohibited substance.
Sousa Costa’s one-year period of ineligibility began on December 30, 2024, the date his provisional suspension was imposed. In addition, Sousa Costa has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained in competitions sanctioned by the IBJJF or by any Code signatory on and subsequent to December 14, 2024, the date his positive sample was collected, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.”- USADA.
Read USADA’S full statement here.
More Failed Tests to Come
Felipe Costa is the first of what will likely be many more failed drug tests as the year continues. Performance-enhancing drugs are an unfortunate part of the sport that won’t be going away any time soon.
Bobby is martial artist for almost 20 years with a BJJ black belt under Professor Sergio Miranda. He is also a karate black and former combat sports athlete, who loves all things grappling.
