Mica Galvao accepts doping sanction, stripped of IBJJF world title
Mica Galvao has accepted a USADA sanction following a positive test for banned substances and has been stripped of his 2022 world title.
Elite BJJ black belt Mica Galvao hasn’t competed in the IBJJF since he won gold at the 2022 IBJJF Worlds, and for good reason.
On Wednesday, the IBJJF and USADA announced that the 19-year-old has accepted a one-year suspension from IBJJF competition, effective July 22, 2022. Galvao’s suspension will keep him out of the 2023 IBJJF Worlds, scheduled for June 1-4.
Galvao tested positive clomiphene and its metabolite 4-hydroxyclomiphene on his June 5, 2022 in-competition test. After investigation, USADA found that Galvao had been prescribed the substances by a physician, but had failed to obtain a therapeutic use exemption as required by USADA rules.
In the final of the 2022 IBJJF Worlds, Galvao defeated rival Tye Ruotolo in one of the year’s best gi matches. Consistent with IBJJF precedent, Ruotolo will likely be named the 2022 world champion.
After winning the IBJJF Worlds, Galvao would go on an impressive run that saw him take home silver in the 77 kg. Division at the 2022 ADCC World Championships, losing to Tye Ruotolo’s twin brother Kade in the final. He recently returned to gi competition on the AJP circuit.
