The UFC has released Brazilian heavyweight Marco Rogerio de Lima following a year-long suspension for a doping violation. The 39-year-old fighter tested positive for anastrozole in January, his second offense involving the substance. Combat Sports Anti-Doping determined the positive test was due to a medication de Lima was taking for a known medical condition. However, he did not apply for a therapeutic use exemption (TUE), leading to the suspension.

The Impact of the Suspension

De Lima’s suspension was deemed involuntary, but the second offense resulted in a one-year ban instead of the usual six months. This decision, combined with his age and recent performance, likely influenced the UFC’s decision to part ways with him. De Lima’s release comes nearly 11 years after he first appeared on The Ultimate Fighter Brazil in March 2014, where he reached the semifinals.

Career Highlights and Challenges

Despite losing to Antonio Carlos Jr. in the semifinals, de Lima earned a UFC contract and made an immediate impact with back-to-back first-round KO wins over Richardson Moreira and Igor Pakrajac. However, his career was marred by submission defense issues and weight-cutting struggles.

Between 2018 and 2023, de Lima went 6-4, with three losses by submission. His most recent victory came at UFC 298 in February 2024, where he stopped Junior Tafa with leg kicks and ground-and-pound. He was scheduled to fight Kennedy Nzechukwu in October 2024 but later withdrew.

Future Prospects

At 39 and facing a one-year ban, de Lima’s return to the UFC appears unlikely. The promotion has been moving away from aging heavyweights who have seemingly hit their ceiling. As of March 19, 2025, only Marcin Tybura and Derrick Lewis remain in the UFC heavyweight rankings at 39 or older. De Lima’s history with banned substances may have expedited his exit. Once his suspension ends, he could find a new home in the Professional Fighters League or Global Fight League.

Up Next – UFC London

The UFC heads to London on Saturday, March 22, as Leon Edwards returns to the Octagon to take on Sean Brady. Here’s a look at the full fight card.

Main Card (Starting at 3:00 PM ET):

• Welterweight Bout: Leon Edwards vs. Sean Brady
• Light Heavyweight Bout: Jan Błachowicz vs. Carlos Ulberg
• Welterweight Bout: Gunnar Nelson vs. Kevin Holland
• Women’s Strawweight Bout: Molly McCann vs. Alexia Thainara
• Lightweight Bout: Jordan Vucenic vs. Chris Duncan
• Featherweight Bout: Nathaniel Wood vs. Morgan Charrière

Preliminary Card (Starting at 12:00 PM ET):

• Lightweight Bout: Jai Herbert vs. Chris Padilla
• Flyweight Bout: Lone’er Kavanagh vs. Felipe dos Santos
• Heavyweight Bout: Marcin Tybura vs. Mick Parkin
• Middleweight Bout: Christian Leroy Duncan vs. Andre Pulyaev
• Women’s Strawweight Bout: Shauna Bannon vs. Puja Tomar
• Bantamweight Bout: Nathan Fletcher vs. Caolan Loughran
• Lightweight Bout: Guram Kutateladze vs. Kaue Fernandes

FAQ

Q: Why was Marco Rogerio de Lima suspended?

A: De Lima was suspended for a year after testing positive for anastrozole, his second violation for the substance. The suspension was deemed involuntary but resulted in a one-year ban due to it being his second offense.

Q: What is the future for Marco Rogerio de Lima?

A: At 39 and facing a one-year ban, de Lima’s return to the UFC appears unlikely. He could find a new home in the Professional Fighters League or Global Fight League once his suspension ends.

Q: What are the upcoming UFC events?

A: The next big event is UFC London on March 22, featuring Leon Edwards vs. Sean Brady in the main event.

Did You Know?

Marco Rogerio de Lima made an immediate impact in the UFC with back-to-back first-round KO wins. His submission defense and weight-cutting struggles, however, plagued his career.

Pro Tip

For fighters, managing weight cuts and maintaining peak performance are crucial. De Lima’s struggles in these areas highlight the importance of a well-planned training regimen and proper nutrition.

What’s Next?

The UFC continues to evolve, and with the release of fighters like de Lima, new opportunities arise for up-and-coming talent. Stay tuned for more updates on the UFC and other exciting combat sports news.