In a bustling session, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) conducted its monthly meeting today in Las Vegas, addressing critical issues in the world of combat sports.

One of the significant developments involved UFC bantamweight Miles Johns, who tested positive for the M3 metabolite on September 23. Reports from MMA Fighting indicate that Johns will be under suspension until a forthcoming disciplinary hearing, tentatively scheduled for December. It's noteworthy that the commission, in collaboration with the UFC, has been diligently working on establishing new thresholds for M3 and other substances. This initiative stems from the Jon Jones picograms controversy in late 2018, highlighting the ongoing efforts to refine and adapt drug testing protocols.

The potential repercussions for Johns remain uncertain, especially considering his prior drug-test suspension in early 2022. Despite these developments, as of the latest update, Johns, known as "Chapo," still holds a unanimous decision victory over Dan Argueta from UFC Vegas 79. The outcome of this win hangs in the balance, contingent on whether Johns faces penalties for the recent infraction.

Another notable figure facing scrutiny during the NSAC meeting was Chad Hanekom, whose drug test results revealed cocaine use near his unanimous decision loss to Dylan Budka on Dana White’s "Contender Series" on September 5 at APEX. Consequently, the South African fighter, nicknamed "Superman," has been handed a nine-month drug-test suspension, coupled with fines and prosecution fees. Additionally, Hanekom must test negative before being granted a license to compete in Las Vegas upon his anticipated return in 2024, a date that cannot be earlier than June 5.

These developments underscore the ongoing commitment of regulatory bodies like NSAC to maintain the integrity of combat sports through rigorous drug testing and disciplinary actions. As the fighters navigate these challenges, the outcomes of the disciplinary hearings and the implementation of new thresholds for substances like M3 will undoubtedly shape the landscape of future competitions within the sport.