Polaris Professional Jiu-Jitsu Invitational has cancelled Felipe Andrew’s scheduled match against Davis Asare at Polaris 29. This decision comes following the USADA announcement of a two-year ban for Andrew due to a positive test for clomiphene.
USADA reported that Fellipe Andrew Leandro Silva, 29, tested positive for clomiphene and its metabolites during an in-competition test at the 2024 Pan International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) Jiu-Jitsu Championship on March 24, 2024. Clomiphene, classified as a Hormone and Metabolic Modulator, is prohibited at all times under the WADA Code.
Andrew’s period of ineligibility began on April 16, 2024, when his provisional suspension was imposed. Additionally, he has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained in IBJJF-sanctioned competitions or those of any WADA Code signatory on and after March 24, 2024, including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.
Polaris, maintaining its stance against doping, announced the cancellation via social media, stating: “after notification of Fellipe Andrew’s acceptance of a USADA violation, Polaris has cancelled his match with Davis Asare.”
The organization emphasized its commitment to clean sport, adding, “While we search for a long-term and sustainable sport-wide solution on implementing testing and discouraging the use of PEDs, our mid-term stated solution has been to honor and enforce existing bans from other organisations.”
This development has caused a significant shake-up in the Polaris 29 card, where Andrew was originally slated as a heavy favorite against Davis Asare. The Brazilian had been riding high after reaching the finals of the Craig Jones Invitational in the over 80kg division.
Stepping in on less than 12 hours’ notice is ADCC Open UK champion. Polaris teased the potential for “one of the biggest upsets in Polaris history” with this last-minute change.
Polaris expressed its support for the IBJJF’s commitment to testing, stating they will “continue to honour any bans USADA issues as we have done for the past decade.” This stance is unique and literally no other promotion would pull such a move.
Polaris 29 Preview and Betting Odds
Cole Abate vs Sam Mc Nally
Cole Abate suffered a first-round exit at the 2024 World Championships. His opponent, Sam Mc Nally, is coming off a quarterfinal loss at the 2024 Brasileiros and hasn’t competed in ADCC since ADCC 2022.
Diego “Pato” Oliveira vs Ash Williams
A rematch from ADCC 2024, where Diego “Pato” Oliveira secured a dominant 6-0 victory over Ash Williams in the first round. Pato’s journey at ADCC took him to the finals of the stacked 66kg division, eventually losing to Diogo Reis.
Jay Rodriguez vs Mohammed Avtarhanov
Jay Rodriguez, fresh off a silver medal finish at ADCC, only losing to the formidable Giancarlo Bodoni, enters Polaris 29 on a high note. Rodriguez’s ADCC success is significant, even though the talent split between ADCC and CJI played a role. His opponent, Mohammed Avtarhanov, has dominated the Irish scene but remains relatively untested on the world stage. This is a crucial opportunity for Avtarhanov to make a name for himself, with both competitors sharing victories over Chris Wojcik.
Tainan Dalpra vs Tarik Hopstock
In what might be the most one-sided matchup on paper, Tainan Dalpra, a gi specialist, takes on Tarik Hopstock, who stepped in as a late replacement. Dalpra is the heavy favorite after his recent victory over Jay Rodriguez at WNO. Hopstock, who fell short at the ADCC European trials and missed out on an ADCC invite, faces a significant challenge but enters the bout with nothing to lose.
- Favorite: Tainan Dalpra (1.04 odds)
- Underdog: Tarik Hopstock (10.00 odds)
