BJJ World Champion Roosevelt De Sousa Banned for Infamous Russian PED which Improves Endurance

Roosevelt De Sousa has been handed a three-year suspension after testing positive for meldonium, an infamous performance-enhancing drug often associated with athletes from Russia and Eastern Europe. Positive Test At 2025 IBJJF Worlds The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world was shaken when the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced that De Sousa tested positive for meldonium following […]

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Roosevelt De Sousa, a decorated BJJ World Champion, has been handed a two-year ban from competition after testing positive for Meldonium, also known as Mildronate. The positive test occurred during the 2023 IBJJF World Championship, leading to a suspension that will keep him out of action from June 4, 2023, until June 3, 2025. This incident marks a significant setback for De Sousa and brings the issue of performance-enhancing drugs back into the spotlight within the professional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community. Meldonium, an infamous substance often linked to Russian athletes, has been on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) banned list since January 1, 2016. It is recognized for its ability to enhance endurance, accelerate recovery, and improve oxygen utilization, providing a distinct competitive advantage. De Sousa's case underscores the persistent challenges in maintaining a clean sport, even among high-profile BJJ competitors. The ban of a BJJ World Champion for a substance like Meldonium sends a clear message about the anti-doping efforts in the sport. It reinforces the importance of adhering to WADA guidelines and the IBJJF's commitment to fair play. This situation serves as a stark reminder to all athletes about the strict liability rule and the severe consequences of using prohibited substances, affecting not only individual careers but also the overall integrity of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.