Jessica Penne first UFC athlete flagged for potential doping violation following biological passport review

Jessica Penne (12-5 MMA, 1-3 UFC) has the dubious honor of being noted as the promotion’s first athlete flagged for a potential doping violation following a review of her biological passport.

UFC officials today announced the strawweight was informed by U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) that a March 20 out-of-competition sample contained a prohibited substance, though the specific substance wasn’t named.

As with all potential violations, USADA, – which serves as the independent administrator for the UFC’s anti-doping policy – will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of Penne’s case.

Penne fought on April 22 – one month after the test in question – at UFC Fight Night 108 in Nashville, where she lost a unanimous decision to Danielle Taylor. It was the third consecutive UFC loss for Penne, a former Invicta FC atomweight champion.

While the March 20 sample was initially reported as negative, a review of Penne’s biological passport – which, according to the World Anti-Doping Association, is used “to monitor selected biological variables over time that indirectly reveal the effects of doping rather than attempting to detect the doping substance or method itself.”

Essentially, a variance in the biological passport detected over time can trigger additional screening, such as a Carbon Isotope Ratio test, to determine the presence of a synthetic substance in the body, even at low levels – or if the substance, itself, can’t be directly identified.

The Tennessee Athletic Commission oversaw UFC Fight Night 108, and USADA will work with local officials to assist in their determination of the potential violation, as well.

For complete coverage of UFC Fight Night 108, check out the UFC Events section of the site.