Professional Fighters League heavyweight Daniel James has been suspended for 10 months after testing positive for a banned substance.
According to a statement from USADA, James tested positive for bis-(4-cyanophenyl)methanol, a metabolite of letrozole, in an out-of-competition sample taken on May 8. Classified as a hormone and metabolic regulator, letrozole is primarily used to treat breast cancer in women, but can also be used to prevent unwanted side effects from steroid use.
A positive test for letrozole normally carries a 12-month suspension, but USADA said James’ full cooperation resulted in a reduced suspension, allowing him to return to action on March 8, 2025. James has previously failed two drug tests while competing under the Bellator MMA banner, including one that caused his November 2022 win over Tyrell Fortune to be overturned.
James made his PFL debut on April 4, scoring a first-round technical knockout victory over Marcelo Gorm in the promotion’s first regular season event of 2024. “The American Predator” was scheduled to return in a rematch against Fortune on June 13, but James withdrew from the bout. The 42-year-old James has a record of 15 wins, seven losses and one draw over a career that began in 2014.
