USADA Suspends Khalid Taha 1 Year for Failed Drug Test at UFC 243

He submits the Brazilian BJJ black belt! @KhalidTahaMMA gets the late finish at #UFC243! pic.twitter.com/UdKWUvN6sA

— UFC (@ufc) October 5, 2019

Khalid Taha has accepted a one-year suspension for a failed drug test in relation to UFC 243, USADA announced Monday.

Taha, who defeated Bruno Silva via third-round submission at the Oct. 5 event, tested positive for furosemide in an in-competition urine sample provided on Oct. 6. Furosemide is listed in the category of diuretics and masking agents and is often used to reduce extra fluid in the body caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease and kidney disease.

Taha’s suspension is retroactive to Oct. 6, so he will be eligible to compete again in October 2020. His victory will likely be overturned to a no contest as a result of the anti-doping violation, although that ruling will ultimately be up to the Professional Boxing and Combat Sports Board of Victoria, which regulated the event in Melbourne.

A native of Dortmund, Germany, Taha lost a decision to Nad Narimani in his promotional debut at UFC Fight Night 134 before finishing Boston Salmon and Silva in his next two Octagon appearances. As it currently stands, Taha owns a 14-2 professional mark.