A significant anti-doping ruling has hit the Brazilian jiu-jitsu world.
United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced that Roosevelt De Sousa has accepted a three-year suspension following a positive test for a banned substance.
What happened
De Sousa, 33, tested positive for meldonium during an in-competition test at the IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2025 on December 13, 2025.
The test was conducted under the authority of USADA, which was contracted by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation to oversee anti-doping procedures at the event.
Why meldonium is banned
Meldonium falls under the category of hormone and metabolic modulators and is prohibited at all times under the World Anti-Doping Agency code.
The substance has been widely scrutinized in sports due to its potential to:
- Enhance endurance
- Improve recovery
- Increase oxygen efficiency
Because of these effects, it is classified as a non-specified substance, carrying stricter penalties.
Why the suspension is three years and not four
Under anti-doping rules, a standard violation involving a substance like meldonium typically results in a four-year ban.
However, per Article 10.8.1 of the code, athletes can receive a reduced sanction if they:
- Admit the violation early
- Accept the penalty within a defined timeframe
De Sousa met those conditions, resulting in a one-year reduction to a three-year suspension.
Key dates and consequences
- Suspension start date: January 13, 2026
- Length: 3 years
- Disqualification: All results from December 13, 2025 onward
That includes:
- Loss of medals
- Forfeiture of rankings points
- Stripping of prize money
Impact on the BJJ world
While the IBJJF is not a direct signatory to the global anti-doping code, this case highlights the growing role of structured testing in grappling sports.
With organizations increasingly partnering with USADA, cases like this signal:
- Stricter enforcement
- Greater accountability
- A push toward Olympic-level standards in jiu-jitsu
Why this matters
This ruling reinforces a clear message: anti-doping enforcement is expanding beyond traditional Olympic sports.
For athletes, it’s a reminder that:
- Testing standards are tightening
- Substances like meldonium remain heavily scrutinized
- Violations carry long-term career consequences
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, and Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and is also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer. He’s also the main photographer for the 4CornersMafia Car Club.
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