UFC Fighter Handed Lengthy Doping Ban

UFC light heavyweight veteran Volkan Oezdemir revealed on Friday that he has received a 16-month suspension for violating the organization's anti-doping policy.

The fighter used his Instagram profile to explain the situation, emphasizing that he has already received his punishment and that the fault lies entirely with him. As of now, UFC officials have not announced Oezdemir's sanction or the circumstances surrounding his positive drug test.

"In late 2025, I competed in Qatar. A few days later, a Switzerland-based health professional contacted me on Instagram. He introduced himself as a supporter and suggested we meet. During our first meeting, he spoke about his connections with influential people, investment opportunities in one of the Gulf countries, and potential career prospects after retirement from the sport. He also mentioned sponsorship possibilities. I was 36 and thinking about life after my athletic career, so I was interested."

After meeting this individual, Oezdemir assessed his current situation in the UFC while trying to recover from surgery. It was then that he was offered a prohibited substance to aid his recovery.

"He showed me a substance he described as safe and undetectable. He had prepared a vial of EPO. He told me not to tell anyone about it. I agreed. I gave myself the first injection that same evening. It was my decision. And it was the biggest mistake of my life."

EPO (erythropoietin) is a substance widely used in endurance sports, as it boosts the production of red blood cells. This allows the body to deliver more oxygen to muscles, enhancing stamina and performance.

"Three days later, the Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) team came to my home to conduct a drug test," Oezdemir continued. "On March 5th, I was informed that my test was positive. At that moment, the illusion shattered, and my reality changed. But in a way, it was also a relief."

"I decided to tell the UFC everything. I cooperated immediately. I did the same with CSAD. Ultimately, I received a 16-month suspension given my cooperation and the mitigating circumstances."

"I acknowledge what I did and take full responsibility. Every athlete is accountable for what they put into their body. I'm sharing how this happened because I needed to understand my own actions. And because what happened to me could happen to other athletes. I let down my sport, my fans, and ultimately myself. To everyone who supported me – my family, my loved ones, and my supporters, I deeply apologize."

Although Oezdemir did not specify when his suspension began, he will certainly be out of the octagon until sometime in 2027 following his 16-month absence. A consistent presence in the light heavyweight rankings, Oezdemir failed in his sole attempt to become champion, losing to Daniel Cormier in 2018.

More recently, Oezdemir had compiled a record of 3 wins and 1 loss, with his only defeat coming via decision against current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Carlos Ulberg.