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NSAC Bans Darion Abbey Nine Months, Keeps Levi Rodrigues on Temporary Suspension After DWCS Drug Positives

The episode highlights the steep consequences Contender Series drug positives carry for results, eligibility, and UFC contracts.

Overview

  • Darion Abbey received a nine-month suspension for clomiphene, plus a $750 fine and $157.04 in fees, with Nevada eligibility restored on May 25, 2026.
  • Levi Rodrigues tested positive for 19-Norandrosterone from his Oct. 14 Contender Series bout and remains temporarily suspended after an initial Nov. 26 action.
  • Rodrigues’ team says he used nandrolone between May and July 2024 to treat a severe back injury during a long layoff, citing studies that metabolites can linger up to 18 months.
  • Rodrigues’ DWCS win is likely to be overturned to a no contest and his UFC contract status remains unresolved pending a future commission hearing.
  • The Nevada State Athletic Commission announced the finalized Abbey sanction and Rodrigues’ ongoing case at its Dec. 16 meeting following DWCS Season 9 bouts at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.