What is ostarine? Know all about the substance that got UFC fighters Kyler Phillips and Darrius Flowers suspended

The Nevada State Athletic Commission has taken a strong stance against the use of banned substances in combat sports. Two UFC fighters, Kyler Phillips and Darrius Flowers were recently suspended by the commission after they failed drug tests that revealed the presence of ostarine in their systems.

Phillips, a bantamweight fighter who holds a pro record of 10 wins and two losses, has been suspended until the NSAC is able to conduct a disciplinary hearing, during which he will be given an opportunity to present his side of the story.

Flowers, a fresh welterweight fighter who earned his place in the UFC through Dana White's Contender Series (DWCS), has also been suspended for the same reason.

Ostarine is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) that is not approved by the FDA but is sometimes found in supplements. According to WebMD, ostarine attaches to androgen receptors in the body, signaling muscles to grow. While the drug can occasionally be found in supplements, it's a prohibited substance in combat sports and is therefore subject to strict testing protocols.

Phillips and Flowers join a list of fighters who have previously failed drug tests for ostarine, including Augusto Mendes, Marvin Vettori, Nicco Montano, Sean O'Malley, and former UFC fighter Rachael Ostovich. Notably, all of these fighters failed out-of-competition tests.

The NSAC takes drug testing seriously and ensures that all athletes are competing on a level playing field. With the suspensions of Phillips and Flowers, it's clear that the NSAC will continue to uphold its strict policies on banned substances in combat sports.

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GLORY suspends former UFC heavyweight title contender Alistair Overeem for 12 months following positive PED test

Glory Kickboxing has handed down a 12-month suspension to Alistair Overeem for testing positive for a banned substance. The decision follows a positive drug test conducted after his win over Badr Hari in October last year, which has now been declared a no-contest.

Dutch publication VechtSportInfo broke the news of Overeem's suspension. The veteran fighter signed with Glory in 2021 after leaving the UFC and returning to kickboxing after more than a decade.

Overeem, a former UFC heavyweight title challenger, has yet to issue a statement in response to the suspension. The ban will prevent him from competing in Glory events for the next 12 months, casting doubt on his future in the sport.