Paulo Costa tops the list of most USADA samples submitted since its UFC inception
While there are a couple of names on the list that are surprising, it may not come as a shock to many to hear that Paulo Costa has been the most tested athlete since USADA began taking samples from UFC fighters.
'Borrachinha' made an ongoing joke to his fans on social media about his 'secret juice' which supposedly helped him gain the incredible physique he has. While his supporters enjoy his humor, it may have landed him in trouble with the anti-doping agency, which could explain why he's been tested almost 100 times in five years.
A recent post on social media revealed the top 5 UFC stars who have been tested the most since USADA's inception into the promotion. Paulo Costa and TJ Dillashaw sit atop the list, ahead of the rest.
"Most samples submitted since the implementation of USADA's anti-doping testing of UFC athletes: Paulo Henrique Costa 97, TJ Dillashaw 92, Jon Jones 85, Misha Cirkunov 84, Jiri Prochazka 80."
Most samples submitted since the implementation of USADA's anti-doping testing of UFC athletes:
Paulo Henrique Costa 97
TJ Dillashaw 92
Jon Jones 85
Misha Cirkunov 84
Jiri Prochazka 80
Amongst the obvious names on the list are some unpredictable candidates. Misha Cirkunov and former light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka are rather surprisingly standing amongst those most tested.
Despite having a run as UFC champion, Prochazka has been in the company for a little over two years and has already been made to provide 80 samples to USADA. This number is just five shy of Jon Jones despite the Hall-of-Famer's two previously failed tests.
While all fighters should be tested equally, it often tends to be the ones higher up the rankings who are being targeted the most by the anti-doping agency. This means Misha Cirkunov being high on the list could come as a surprise to many.
Paulo Costa's uncertain UFC future
Recently, Paulo Costa has been ranting on social media about his unhappiness with his current UFC contract. His hopes of leaving the promotion behind for somebody who will value his ability.
At the moment, the Brazilian is not a free agent and still has obligations to fulfill before he is able to test the market. While this seems straightforward, the heavy-handed middleweight has made the entire situation a rather confusing one.
The public was made to believe that Costa is preparing to face Robert Whittaker at UFC 284 next year, which would be the final fight of his contract. According to the South American, he hasn't agreed to any fight deals, leaving everybody involved and those desperate for answers in limbo.