Volkan Oezdemir suspended after EPO positive in UFC testing

Former UFC heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight title challenger Volkan Oezdemir tested positive for erythropoietin in both blood and urine samples collected during out-of-competition testing in Switzerland, the promotion announced Friday.

The Swiss fighter, who challenged Daniel Cormier for the belt at UFC 220 in 2018 and has faced top contenders including Jiri Prochazka, provided the flagged samples on Feb. 16 and March 5 in Le Mouret. Combat Sports Anti-Doping administered both tests.

Oezdemir admits decision and accepts suspension

Oezdemir, currently ranked eighth at 205 pounds, wrote on social media that he cooperated immediately after learning of the positive result. "That was my decision and it was the biggest mistake of my life," he posted, per MMA Mania. "On March 5, I was informed that my test had come back positive. In that moment, the illusion was shattered, and my reality changed."

The 36-year-old will not be eligible to return until June 17, 2027. Oezdemir is 21-8 overall and last fought at UFC Qatar in the fall, where he stopped Alonzo Menifield by knockout in Doha.

The suspension sidelines one of the division's most experienced veterans during what had been a late-career resurgence following the Menifield finish.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Busted! UFC title contender who fought everyone from Jiri to Daniel Cormier just popped for EPO