What is EPO, the substance TJ Dillashaw tested positive for?

TJ Dillashaw tested positive for erythropoietin, or EPO. What exactly is EPO?

The legacy of former two-time UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw has come into scrutiny. It was announced on April 9 that Dillashaw would be suspended two years by USADA for testing positive for erythropoietin, or EPO, around the time of his flyweight title fight against Henry Cejudo at UFC Brooklyn.

Dillashaw was suspended one year by the New York State Athletic Commission back on March 20 for the failed test, and he surrendered his title.

So what exactly is EPO?

EPO is a substance that is used in blood doping, one of the most common and well-known methods of doping in the sports world. The official website of the UFC and USADA’s partnership defines blood doping as “the practice of misusing certain techniques and substances to increase the number of circulating red blood cells.”

Blood doping allows for more oxygen to come into the body, and for it to travel more quickly to muscles via red blood cells. This results in an increase in endurance, as well as recovery time.

EPO is known as an “erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent,” or ESA. EPO, according to USADA, is “primarily used for kidney failure, chemotherapy, and other medical conditions involving red blood cell loss and anemia.”

EPO, however, is banned from athletic competition under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and, prior to WADA’s inception, the International Olympic Committee. EPO has been abused in the past by athletes, as the effects of blood doping can give one an unfair advantage.

How is it traced?

Urine testing is the most accurate way to detect EPO in a person’s system, according to WADA, though it can also be detected through blood screening. The organization, however, feels urine testing provides greater accuracy, while also lowering costs of testing.

ESPN’s Brett Okamoto stated that a sample from Dillashaw in late December was re-analyzed and confirmed EPO usage.

How long EPO stays in a person’s body depends on factors such as the amount used and the frequency of usage.

Dillashaw will be available to return to MMA action in January 2021.