PFL Heavyweight Daniel James Suspended 10 Months for Failed Drug Test

Professional Fighters League heavyweight Daniel James has been suspended 10 months after testing postive for a banned substance.

According to a statement from USADA, James tested positive for bis-(4-cyanophenyl) methanol — a metabolite of letrozole — in an out-of-competition sample collected on May 8. Letrozole, which is listed in the class of hormone and metabolic modulators, is primarily used to treat breast cancer in women but can also be used to prevent unwanted side effects from steroid use.

A positive test for letrozole typically comes with a 12-month sanction, but James was given a reduced suspension for his full and complete cooperation, according to USADA. As a result, he will be able to return to active competition on March 8, 2025. James has twice failed drug tests while competing under the Bellator MMA banner, including one instance that led to his November 2022 victory over Tyrell Fortune being overturned to a no contest.

James made his PFL debut on April 4, where he earned a first-round technical knockout victory against Marcelo Golm at the promotion’s first regular season event of 2024. “American Predator” was supposed to return to action on June 13 in a rematch against Fortune, but James withdrew from the contest. The 42-year-old has compiled a 15-7-1 mark over the course of a career that began in 2014.