Former PFL light heavyweight champion Rob Wilkinson has been removed from the ongoing 2023 season following a positive test for a banned substance. While the substance found in Wilkinson’s system is yet to be disclosed, he has been pulled from the 2023 season and is expected to face disciplinary action from the Nevada Athletic Commission, which oversaw his last contest in April.

Wilkinson was originally scheduled to fight Ty Flores in the co-main event at the PFL 4 card on June 8, but veteran light heavyweight Dan Spohn is expected to take his place. Wilkinson is now the latest fighter to be eliminated from this year’s PFL season following nine previous athletes who were flagged with positive drug tests by the Nevada Athletic Commission, including Wilkinson’s last opponent, Thiago Santos.

Santos tested positive for clomiphene, which is prohibited for use by athletes and he remains under temporary suspension awaiting adjudication. Wilkinson and Santos are expected to face sanctions from the commission at an upcoming June meeting. The 2023 season has been a series of disappointing setbacks for the PFL; with a total of ten fighters now eliminated due to positive tests for banned substances.

Wilkinson made headlines in the 2022 season after securing four successive victories via knockout or TKO, clinching him the $1 million prize in the light heavyweight finals. In April, he returned to the ring with an unanimous decision win over Santos but now faces the possibility of reprimand for his failed drug test.