Felipe Bunes’ highly anticipated Ultimate Fighting Championship debut has been postponed due to a failed drug test. The flyweight competitor was suspended for six months and fined $326 in legal fees at a Nevada State Athletic Commission meeting on Tuesday. Bunes announced the news on social media, expressing his hope to have the matter resolved in the coming days so he can return to fighting soon.
Positive Test for GW1516
Bunes tested positive for the metabolic modulator GW1516 earlier this year, resulting in the cancellation of his Octagon debut against Zhalgas Zhumagulov at UFC on ESPN 47 on June 17. He will be eligible to return to active competition on December 17. Bunes has provided all the necessary information to the commission and is awaiting further analysis on the matter.
Promising Career on Hold
The 33-year-old Pitbull Brothers export has compiled a 13-6 record since beginning his professional career in 2011. “Felipinho” has won three of his last four outings dating back to 2021, including back-to-back triumphs under the Legacy Fighting Alliance banner. The suspension puts his promising career on hold, and fans will have to wait to see him in action in the Octagon.
In the meantime, Bunes is focused on clearing his name and returning to the sport as soon as possible. With his suspension set to end in December, there is hope that he will be able to make his UFC debut before the year comes to a close.
The MMA community will be watching closely as the situation unfolds, eager to see how Bunes handles the setback and whether he can make a successful return to competition.