Which UFC fighters have tested positive for Ostarine? All you need to know

UFC Fighters Kyler Phillips and Darrius Flowers tested positive for Ostarine - a type of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM), which is a class of therapeutic compounds that have properties similar to anabolic steroids with reduced androgenic properties.

Unlike anabolics, SARMs only target certain tissues and are only used in specific medical situations. Ostarine was developed by pharmaceutical company GTX to treat conditions like muscle wastage and osteoporosis.

According to the USADA website, SARMs can selectively be used 'to stimulate specific tissue growth like muscle and bone, while avoiding unwanted side effects in other tissues like the liver or skin.' Ostarine is considered a prohibited substance under the 'S1 Anabolic Agent' category of the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) prohibited list.

The SARM is not is not approved for human consumption in the US or any other country, so athletes usually source it from the black market. In many cases, the SARM can be found in supplements taken by athletes, hence it shows up on their drug tests.

UFC fighters Kyler Phillips and Darrius Flowers were recently suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission after testing positive for the aforementioned banned substance. Both athletes received temporary bans and are awaiting hearings scheduled for April and May.

Incidentally, Kyler Phillips happens to be Sean O'Malley's teammate. Sean O'Malley tested positive for Ostarine in 2018, and in 2020 for the same substance as a residual substance. He was handed a 6-month suspension for each of those tests.

Other fighters who tested positive for the SARM include Augusto Mendes, Marvin Vettori, Nicco Montano, former UFC fighters Rachel Ostovich, Ruslan Magomedov and Zubaira Tukhugov.

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Former UFC fighter Jimmy Wallhead's Ostarine troubles

Jimmy Wallhead, who competed in the UFC and Bellator (and now competes in Cage Warriors), found himself in a bit of trouble in 2018, when he tested positive for a substance he unknowingly took. Walhead's out-of-competition test sample from 2017 was found to contain the aforementioned SARM, and he received a nine-month suspension as a result.

Jimmy Wallhead put out a lengthy statement about the incident, informing his audience that he sent samples of the supplements containing the banned substance to USADA. The anti-doping agency then compared the sample of the supplement with the one they procured and found traces of the aforementioned banned substance in that one as well.

Here's what Wallhead said:

"I sent USADA a fresh sealed tub of the product I used and was positive for Ostarine. Then USADA sourced their own and what was also contaminated and positive for Ostarine too. The fact tat I have been proven innocent means so much to me. I have been given a short ban as I should [have] researched the company, and maybe used a bigger, more mainstream [brand"].

Jimmy Wallhead's statement [Image courtesy: www.sportsintegrityinitiative.com]

Jimmy Wallhead had an unsuccessful two-fight run in the UFC. He has a UFC record of 0-2 and an overall MMA record of 33-11. Wallhead is currently the interim Cage Warriors welterweight champion.