UFC president Dana White (Picture by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire through Getty Pictures)Icon Sportswire through Getty Pictures
Alvin Hines, a Minnesota-born heavyweight who entered the UFC with an undefeated file on the regional circuit, has been handed a one-year suspension after testing constructive for a number of banned substances.
In line with UFC.com, Hines’ samples contained Drostanolone (muscle hardening and power), its metabolite 3a-Hydroxy-2a-methyl-5a-androstan-17-one (prolonged anabolic impact), testosterone metabolites (elevated restoration and energy), and a Tamoxifen metabolite, 3-Hydroxy-4-methoxytamoxifen (post-cycle masking agent).
All three substances are prohibited by the UFC Anti-Doping Program with out exception. There doesn’t seem like a lot of a dispute concerning the validity of the exams discovering.
Hines didn’t simply pop after his lone battle within the UFC. The 33-year-old examined constructive on three separate events: out-of-competition in Minnesota, in-competition in Las Vegas, and once more out-of-competition in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
The proof instructed that his use of those substances predated his UFC signing, although he didn’t disclose them throughout the onboarding course of.LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 28: Alvin Hines awaits the beginning of the spherical in a heavyweight bout throughout the UFC 317 occasion at T-Cellular Enviornment on June 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Picture by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)Zuffa LLC
Hines aka Goozie made his UFC debut on June 28 at UFC 317 in Las Vegas, dropping a battle to Jhonata Diniz. Regardless of the loss within the battle–which he took on brief discover after starting his profession 7-0–he confirmed toughness and a fan-friendly type.
There have been indicators and potential for Hines to carve out a spot in a heavyweight division hungry for contemporary contenders. That momentum is now paused. UFC CEO Dana White has loads of irons within the fireplace, however he can’t be thrilled about this information contemplating the promotion is seemingly doing their greatest to refresh the heavyweight division with new, youthful and thrilling fighters.
Hines would have match the invoice–even with out elite expertise–however this growth modifications issues.
Hines absolutely cooperated with the Fight Sports activities Anti-Doping (CSAD) investigation, offering particulars of his prior use and his perception that the substances would have cleared his system earlier than he signed with the promotion.
Testing concentrations have been in step with the tail finish of excretion, supporting his clarification. Nonetheless, the timing and the truth that Hines cheated in any respect is a significant setback.
What ought to have been the beginning of a promising run within the UFC is now muddied by a one-year absence and the nasty stigma of a doping case.
For a brand new fighter–particularly one who has but to money in on their skills–shedding a full yr of competitors is damaging not solely to growth but additionally to credibility inside the promotion and with the fanbase.
As nice as everyone knows TJ Dillashaw was, there’s a cloud that hangs over his profession as a result of he popped for unmistakable usages of performance-enhancing medicine.NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 04: TJ Dillashaw reacts throughout his UFC bantamweight championship bout towards Cody Garbrandt throughout the UFC 217 occasion at Madison Sq. Backyard on November 4, 2017 in New York Metropolis. (Picture by Mike Stobe/Getty Pictures)Getty Pictures
Hines’ suspension formally started on July 11, 2025, the date Hines was provisionally suspended.
The Nevada State Athletic Fee, which oversaw his UFC 317 bout the place he examined constructive in-competition, additionally retains jurisdiction and can problem a separate ruling.
CSAD oversees the UFC’s year-round anti-doping program, with collections performed by Drug Free Sport Worldwide and testing dealt with by the WADA-accredited Sports activities Medication Analysis and Testing Laboratory in Salt Lake Metropolis.
Subsequent Up for the UFC is the return to Chicago for UFC 319. I’ll be on the United Heart for the occasion. Keep tuned for dwell protection and observe me on X for dwell updates.
