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Doctor Who Administered IVs to Paulo Costa Gets 2-Year USADA Suspension

The doctor who administered over-limit intravenous (IV) infusions to UFC middleweight contender Paulo Henrique Costa in 2017 has received a sanction from USADA.

The anti-doping agency announced Monday that Dr. Lucas Penchel of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, has accepted a two-year suspension for giving IVs of permitted substances to Costa and his training partner Carlos Costa.

“Dr. Penchel, like all athlete support personnel, was entrusted to help athletes make safe and informed decisions, but instead, he violated anti-doping rules and his oath to best protect athletes’ health and safety,” USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart said.