Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion Pedro Pimenta has been handed a one-year suspension following a positive test for clomiphene. USADA announced the sanction on Tuesday, sending ripples through the competitive martial arts community.
Pimenta, a 28-year-old athlete from Plano, Texas, tested positive for clomiphene and its metabolite during an in-competition test at the 2024 World International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) Jiu-Jitsu Championship on June 2, 2024. The test was conducted by USADA, which was contracted by IBJJF to oversee testing for the event.
Clomiphene is prohibited at all times under the WADA Code. While USADA’s investigation revealed that Pimenta’s use was due to a medication prescribed for therapeutic purposes by a physician, the athlete failed to obtain the necessary Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) required by the Code.
The suspension, which began on July 12, 2024, when a provisional suspension was first imposed, will see Pimenta sidelined from competition for a full year. Additionally, he has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained in IBJJF-sanctioned competitions or those of any WADA Code signatory from June 2, 2024, onward. This disqualification includes the forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes earned during this period.
Athletes may receive prescriptions for clomiphene for several legitimate medical reasons, primarily related to reproductive health and hormone regulation. One common use is for infertility treatment in women experiencing ovulatory disorders, as clomiphene stimulates the ovaries to help restore normal ovulation. When Gabi Garcia tested positive for clomiphene she used this exact excuse.
In men, it can be prescribed for low testo sterone levels (hypogonadism) to stimulate the body’s own testosterone production, which is particularly relevant for those seeking to maintain normal hormonal function. Additionally, after a cycle of anabolic use, male athletes may experience suppressed testosterone levels, and clomiphene can be part of post-cycle therapy (PCT) to help restore natural testosterone production.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may also be prescribed clomiphene to regulate their menstrual cycles and promote ovulation. Moreover, both male and female athletes may face hormonal imbalances affecting their overall health and athletic performance, and clomiphene can help address these issues by promoting the production of key hormones.
However, its potential for performance enhancement has led to its classification as a banned compound in sports, making it essential for athletes to use it under appropriate medical supervision to avoid WADA code violations.
Pedro Pimenta also known as Pedro Alex ‘BomBom’ competed at CJI this past summer. Inacio Santos of Atos Jiu-Jitsu narrowly defeated Pedro Alex of GF Team by split decision in the opening round of the over 80kg bracket.
