UFC Argentina’s Cynthia Calvillo says NSAC, not USADA gave her the biggest issues with her suspension

Cynthia Calvillo steps into the cage for the first time since Dec. 2017 when she faces Poliana Botelho this Saturday at UFC Argentina. The 31-year-old has been sidelined due to a suspension for a failed drug test for marijuana use.

In a recent interview with Fightful, Cynthia Calvillo said that the Nevada State Athletic Commission, not the United States Anti-Doping Agency, gave her the biggest headache through the whole process.

“USADA was actually pretty good, when it first happened…of course you have to follow the rules…you know, whatever happened with the testing. They had actually originally given me six months with the ability of being able to reduce the time in three months, so I would have been ready to go…it was more of the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) that came in with more of a longer term. That really sucked, just because I know that the Nevada State Commission already had legalized it there and they use it for recreation. I know that there are a lot of…the head chairman of the Nevada State Commission makes a ton of money off of the cannabis business, it just really sucked that they ended up giving me nine months. Especially when, if giving other athletes, even after me, only six months for the same thing,” 

Cynthia Calvillo (6-1) is coming off her first professional loss to Carla Esparza at UFC 219. Prior to the setback, Calvillo had won three straight fights in the UFC over Amanda Cooper, Pearl Gonzalez and Joanne Calderwood. Despite the layoff and heading into her fight this Saturday off a loss, Calvillo is feeling very confident about the matchup.

“Honestly, anything can happen. I’m going to go in there and make the adjustments in there, but I’m definitely going to get the finish. Whatever comes…whatever she gives me, I’m open and I’m really excited about this fight. I’m just happy to get back in there, I think I’m going to be able to showcase a lot of good things and I’m just one set of plans that I feel like I did in the last fight. So I’m excited to just get in there and have fun again, I think if anybody ever notices…my first couple of fights, I’m coming out there and really smiling and I’m excited. This last one (at UFC 219), I came out with the meanest mean mug ever and the next thing I know is I’m going to get this girl’s head off. I’m just going to go out there and perform, I’ve been putting in a ton of work and I’m really confident and whatever happens in that cage…I’m going to be prepared for it,” 

UFC Fight Night Argentina takes place on Saturday, Nov. 17 from Luna Park in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Neil Magny is set to take on Santiago Ponzinibbio in the main event.

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 11/12/2018.