Before COVID-19 changed everything, some of the biggest news of 2020 was when USADA announced that Kaynan Duarte accepted a one year band from competition and was being stripped of his gold medal from the 2019 IBJJF World Championship. Kaynan had an insane year in 2019 that resulted in him being awarded Male Grappler of The Year at the 2019 FloGrappling Awards, and was ranked first overall in our Grappling Rankings at the time of suspension. 

Kaynan had not only won the IBJJF Worlds in 2019, but also the Pan and European championships. There was also an Abu Dhabi World Pro and the $100K prize at the Spyder Invitational title in there, but the crown jewel for him was probably when he defeated Yuri Simoes, Buchecha, and Nick Rodriguez to win his first ADCC title in September. With his suspension already drawing to a close on June 2, Kaynan will be cleared to return to all competitions shortly.

The substance he tested positive for was Ostarine, an andogen receptor that is not currently available as a prescription medication according to USADA. Recently on The WNO Podcast Episode 58, Kaynan addressed the issue of his suspension:

"When I saw the result, I was very upset, very sad. Because I knew I didn't take that substance, and right away I got a lawyer. It was very low, I'd have to check, but it was about 0.01%. That's what made the difference, I have the evidence and stuff, I went through the entire process. My suspension is almost done, and I'm glad that if Worlds happens this year I will be fighting."

Kaynan appealed the process, and only ended up receiving a one-year suspension. Previous jiu-jitsu athletes have typically received a two-year suspension, with Tayane Porfirio getting four years after the 2018 Worlds. Kaynan was offered the standard two years, but fought it with his lawyer and accepted a reduced sentence.

"I hired an expert, I had proof that I didn't take it, the substance was almost zero. 0.01, almost nothing, that's why I believe that I got a one year suspension, the minimum. If you read the USADA statement, it says it was not for personal use."

"It was kind of long, took about six or seven months...they offered me two years, and I said I don't want two years. I could have gone to arbitration, but in the end they offered me one year, and I just accepted one year and didn't go to arbitration. I think it was a smart step for me."

The entire clip of Kaynan discussing his suspension can be viewed here:

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