UFC Strawweight Jessica Penne Flagged by USADA Upon Analysis of ‘Biological Passport’

Jessica Penne has been flagged by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency upon review of her biological passport — a first for an athlete within the UFC.

Penne initially submitted a negative sample in an out-of-competition drug test administered on March 20. However, Penne was flagged following a re-analysis of the sample.

“Penne’s sample, having undergone the standard out-competition analysis menu, was initially reported to USADA as negative. However, upon review of Penne’s Athlete Biological Passport, the sample was subsequently flagged for additional analysis due to an increased degree of variability in urinary biomarkers measured in the sample,” the statement read. “As a result of that further analysis, the presence of a prohibited substance was detected. Before the reanalysis was completed, Penne fought at the UFC Fight Night event in Nashville on April 22, 2017.”

Penne dropped a unanimous decision to Danielle Taylor at UFC Fight Night 108, her third consecutive defeat within the Las Vegas-based promotion. The event took place under the jurisdiction of the Tennessee Athletic Commission, and USADA will make sure the commission has all the necessary information to determine an appropriate punishment regarding Penne’s case.

Otherwise, USADA will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of the case, and Penne will be entitled to a full and fair legal review process. The substance for which Penne tested positive was not revealed.