USADA announced today that Marc-Andre Barriault, of Quebec, Canada, has accepted a six-month sanction for a violation of the UFC® Anti-Doping Policy.
Barriault, 30, tested positive for ostarine as the result of a urine sample collected in-competition by the Nevada State Athlete Commission (NSAC) on June 20, 2020 and a urine sample collected out-of-competition by USADA on July 30, 2020. Ostarine is a non-Specified Substance in the class of Anabolic Agents and prohibited at all times under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy and UFC Prohibited List.
After a thorough investigation into Barriault’s positive test, including follow-up testing, an evaluation of the circumstances surrounding his positive tests, and finding no evidence of intentional use, USADA resolved his case with a six-month period of ineligibility that is consistent with low-level ostarine cases with evidence of contamination. Barriault also received a reduction based on his Full and Complete Cooperation.
Under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, if a situation arises where an athlete tests positive and is able to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that the cause of the positive test was due to a supplement certified by one of the certifiers in the UFC rules, he or she will not be subject to an anti-doping policy violation and will be permitted to compete after follow-up testing and there is no concern the athlete has received a performance enhancing benefit. UFC athletes have been advised to use only Certified Supplements to minimize the risks associated with supplement consumption.
Barriault’s period of ineligibility began on July 21, 2020, the date his temporary suspension was imposed by the NSAC. The NSAC has also imposed a sanction in accordance with its rules for the positive test that fell under its jurisdiction.
USADA conducts the year-round, independent anti-doping program for all UFC athletes. USADA is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental agency whose sole mission is to preserve the integrity of competition, inspire true sport, and protect the rights of clean athletes. In an effort to aid UFC athletes, as well as their support team members, in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on the UFC Anti-Doping Program website (https://UFC.USADA.org) regarding the testing process and prohibited substances, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication, and the risks and dangers of taking supplements, as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs.
In addition, the agency manages a drug reference hotline, Drug Reference Online (https://UFC.GlobalDRO.com), conducts educational sessions, and proactively distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as the Prohibited List, easy-reference wallet cards, and periodic athlete alerts. Many of the resources available to athletes are provided in multiple languages, including Russian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Korean, and Japanese.
Along with education and testing, robust anti-doping programs enable investigations stemming from tips and whistleblowers. USADA makes available a number of ways to report the abuse of performance-enhancing drugs in sport in an effort to protect clean athletes and promote clean competition. Any tip can be reported using the USADA Play Clean Tip Center, by email at playclean@usada.org, by phone at 1 877-Play Clean (1-877-752-9253), or by mail.
