UFC heavyweight Walt Harris has accepted a four-year suspension for two separate violations of the UFC’s anti-doping policy, testing positive for drostanolone, its metabolite, and testosterone of exogenous origin, as well as anastrozole.
Walt Harris, a UFC heavyweight, is set for a long break. He ain’t gonna be in the ring anytime soon.
Why, you ask? Well, the Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) dropped a bombshell Wednesday night. They’re the folks who keep an eye on the UFC’s anti-doping program. Turns out, Harris has agreed to a four-year suspension. And it’s not just for one, but two separate policy violations.
The details are a bit technical. Harris, it seems, tested positive for drostanolone and its metabolite 3a-hydroxy-2a-methyl-5a-androstan-17-on. And that’s not all. He also had testosterone of exogenous origin in his system. These results came from tests done in June and July of 2023.
After getting the news, Harris did what anyone would do. He submitted “urine and blood samples” in August. The results? His urine sample showed anastrozole, along with the other stuff he’d already tested positive for.
But wait, there’s more. Harris’ blood also had exogenous testosterone, according to the official release.
“Drostanolone and testosterone are anabolic steroids and prohibited at all times under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy (UFC ADP) and UFC Prohibited List,” the statement reads.
Anastrozole, which is categorized as “an aromatase inhibitor,” is also a no-no according to the new policy.
Harris, who’s 40 now, can’t compete again until July 2027. His suspension started on July 11. He’d previously accepted a one-year suspension from the Nevada Athletic Commission. That was for his positive test in June 2023.
If Harris decides to return after the suspension, he’ll have been out of action for over six years. His last fight was in June 2021, when he suffered a first-round TKO loss to Marcin Tybura — his third consecutive stoppage loss. Harris has competed 16 times in the octagon, and holds a promotional record of 6-9 (1 NC).