Luis Pajuelo’s UFC career ended after one fight due to a 24-month suspension for violating the organization’s anti-doping policy, following positive tests for anabolic steroids.
Luis Pajuelo’s journey with the UFC was short-lived—just one fight, and it’s over. On Thursday, Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) dropped a bombshell: Pajuelo has accepted a 24-month suspension for breaching UFC’s anti-doping rules.
Two out-of-competition tests on Aug. 5 and Aug. 21 revealed positive results. The substances? 19-norandrosterone and Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS). These findings pointed to an exogenous source of testosterone and its metabolites. Yep, anabolic steroids, which are a big no-no in the UFC.
Pajuelo didn’t just test positive; he also admitted to using deca-durabolin. This admission, coupled with the failed tests, led to his release from the promotion. A tough break for the fighter from Peru.
His suspension kicked off in late August. Mark your calendars—he can return on Aug. 24, 2026.
In his sole UFC appearance, Pajuelo, who snagged a contract via the Contender Series, faced Fernando Padilla at UFC Vegas 89 back in March. Sadly, he lost by first-round submission.
At 29, Pajuelo holds an 8-2 professional record. He earned his UFC contract in August 2023 after a stunning first-round TKO victory over Robbie Ring. Now, it’s a waiting game until he can step back into the octagon.