Cris Cyborg reflects after nearly four years since testing positive for stanozolol steroid

In December of 2012, Cris Cyborg was hit with the most devastating blow of her professional MMA career.

After needing just 16 seconds to TKO Hiroko Yamanaka at the Strikeforce – Melendez vs. Masvidal event, Cyborg found out soon after her fight that she tested positive for the steroid stanozolol.

The California State Athletic Commission suspended Cyborg for one year and she was stripped of her Strikeforce women’s featherweight title. The commission also changed her win over Yamanaka to a No Decision.

Nearly four years since testing positive for the banned substance, Cyborg took to social media to reflect on her mistake.

“4 years ago my career suffered a huge setback when I disappointed my family, friends, and fans by using a banned substance as an aide to lose weight. Following my suspension for doping I found myself alone, without a belt, and at one of the lowest points of my life as the competition mocked me.

“I used the opportunity to spend time with my family, compete in Jiu Jitsu, and mostly rediscover the woman inside; Cristiane Justino, not Cyborg.

“During this low point of my life Is where I began to see the miracles God had been working all around me. I developed a new passion for the sport, focused my values on what was most important, and became a more mature-understanding woman.

“Returning back to the sport and winning my world title were important goals, but earning back the trust of my loyal family, friends, and fans was most important.

“In 2013 I won back my World Title I Wanted to prove to my fans they could trust my accomplishments so I registered with USADA, the premier anti doping regulatory body in the world.

“When I made my UFC debut, I also became the first athlete to do over 1 year of USADA testing BEFORE fighting in the octagon.
I am proud of this fact because it allows my fans to trust in me and I have the best fans in the sport!”

“Over 30 million people watched my last fight live on TV in Brazil and the 1.3 million who watched in the USA made the fight the most watched female UFC event ever broadcasted on @fs1

“#CyborgNation is growing, and the numbers prove my fans are loyal and will follow my career wherever I fight.

“I learned a lot about life during my setback, and it is one of those experiences I try to explain to younger athletes to prevent them from the same career mistakes.

“I am proud to be World Champion at 145lbs and appreciate all the support for those asking the UFC to create the division. Women deserve the same opportunities to compete as men and we will keep working together to help grow the opportunity for all women to showcase their talents. We deserve to be seen!”

4 years ago my career suffered a huge setback when I disappointed my family, friends, and fans by using a banned substance as an aide to lose weight. Following my suspension for doping I found myself alone, without a belt, and at one of the lowest points of my life as the competition mocked me. I used the opportunity to spend time with my family, compete in Jiu Jitsu, and mostly rediscover the woman inside; Cristiane Justino, not Cyborg. During this low point of my life Is where I began to see the miracles God had been working all around me. I developed a new passion for the sport, focused my values on what was most important, and became a more mature-understanding woman. Returning back to the sport and winning my world title were important goals, but earning back the trust of my loyal family, friends, and fans was most important. In 2013 I won back my World Title I Wanted to prove to my fans they could trust my accomplishments so I registered with USADA, the premier anti doping regulatory body in the world. When I made my UFC debut, I also became the first athlete to do over 1 year of USADA testing BEFORE fighting in the octagon. I am proud of this fact because it allows my fans to trust in me and I have the best fans in the sport! Over 30 million people watched my last fight live on TV in Brazil and the 1.3 million who watched in the USA made the fight the most watched female UFC event ever broadcasted on @fs1 #CyborgNation is growing, and the numbers prove my fans are loyal and will follow my career wherever I fight. I learned a lot about life during my setback, and it is one of those experiences I try to explain to younger athletes to prevent them from the same career mistakes. I am proud to be World Champion at 145lbs and appreciate all the support for those asking the UFC to create the division. Women deserve the same opportunities to compete as men and we will keep working together to help grow the opportunity for all women to showcase their talents. We deserve to be seen!

A photo posted by CRISTIANE V JUSTINO 🇧🇷★ (@criscyborg) on Nov 16, 2016 at 11:30pm PST