The 2023 PFL light heavyweight season was forced into a major makeover.
Five of the 10 fighters competing in this year’s 205-pound weight class failed drug tests stemming from their first regular season bouts back in April in Las Vegas. The list included: Krzysztof Jotko, Mohammad Fakreddine, Will Fleury, Thiago Santos, and 2022 PFL light heavyweight champion Robert Wilkinson.
This forced the promotion to pull and replace the fighters with failed drug tests and resume the season with half the division’s roster being newcomers.
MMA Junkie asked the remaining light heavyweights Ty Flores, Josh Silveira, Marthin Hamlet and Delan Monte, who didn’t fail drug tests, about their reactions to the failed drug tests and changes in the division:
Ty Flores
“I mean, did you guys look at those guys? I mean, were you guys really shocked? I mean, you talk about wanting a leveled playing field. I was talking to my teammate. I mean, I’m clean, but I was like, ‘Sh*t, should I get on something?’ I almost feel like I’m the only guy that’s not. I mean, there are a couple of guys I know they’re not, but I mean, I don’t know if you guys were seeing the same thing I was. Jesus Christ, those guys were huge.”
Josh Silveira
“I think I felt it more unfortunate for my teammates, but for me overall, it was a no-reaction thing. I think it was just news, I read it, and I move on. I really can’t worry about everyone else and what happens outside the cage. For me, it was just to move forward and not really react.
“That’s been a big thing for this year. A big principle in my training, it’s no reaction. If the training is hard, don’t react. When times get tough, don’t react. When crazy news comes out, no reaction. I’m here to do my job and win this thing.”
Marthin Hamlet
“I received the news from the media, and it’s just like all sports: People are going to try to cheat. But I’m happy to be in the PFL where we have good testing. And yeah, to get those guys caught, it’s really important that we can be equal when we compete.”
Delan Monte
“Yeah, it was a surprise, but I’m one of those guys that chooses to focus on myself. That’s what I can control. I’m not necessarily out here pointing out or making speculations at what happens to people. I’m here to control my own destiny and do what I have to do to come out victorious.”
