UFC light heavyweight Volkan Oezdemir, who has previously challenged for the promotion’s 205lb title, has revealed that he has been hit with a 16-month suspension following use of banned substance EPO.
Oezdemir (20-8) revealed the news himself on social media, admitting that he opted to inject himself with the drug after meeting with an unnamed “healthcare professional” following surgery – though the individual in question had initially contacted him about investment opportunities.
“In February, I tested positive for EPO after following the recommendations of a healthcare professional,” Oezdemir wrote on social media in both English and French. “As an athlete, I am responsible for everything I put into my body. I made a mistake, and I take full responsibility for it.”
“At the end of 2025, I competed in Qatar,” continued the Swiss fighter. “A few days later, I was contacted on Instagram by a healthcare professional based in Switzerland. He introduced himself as a supporter and suggested that we meet.”
“During our first meeting, he told me about his connections with influential people, investment opportunities in one of the Gulf states, and potential prospects for my career after retirement from sport. He also mentioned the possibility of patronage.” Noting that he was 36-years old and thinking about his post-fighting life, Oezdemir admitted that “I was interested.”
“I was recovering from ankle surgery,” Oezdemir added. “The healthcare professional and I met again. The conversation shifted. He no longer talked about business, but about my recovery. He presented me with a plan that, according to him, would get me back to peak physical condition within two months.”
That was when Oezdemir was presented with EPO, Erythropoietin, which increases red blood cell production, helping oxygen delivery to muscles. It’s the same banned substance that disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong used to steal wins at the Tour de France.
Oezdemir stated that the unnamed individual “showed me a substance that he described as safe and undetectable. He had prepared a vial of EPO. He told me not to tell anyone about it. I complied. I gave myself the first injection that same evening. That was my decision. And it was the biggest mistake of my life.”
Not long after, CSAD, who took over the UFC’s drug-testing duties from USADA, came calling.
“Three days later, the Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) team came to my home to conduct an anti-doping test,” Oezdemir revealed. “On March 5, I was informed that my test had come back positive. In that moment, the illusion was shattered and my reality changed. But in a way, it was also a relief.”
Owning up to his cheating, Oezdemir cooperated with the investigation, and was handed a 16-month suspension as a result.
“My independence has always been once of my strengths. I left home at a young age to live abroad. I built my career far from my family. I moved from country to country to pursue my sport. I got used to dealing with problems on my own. But this time, it became a weakness,” said Oezdemir. “Today, I want to say to every athlete- especially those competing in individual sports – that isolation is a risk.”
“I acknowledge what I did and I take full responsibility for it. Every athlete is responsible for what they put into their body. I am 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 has supported me, my family, my loved ones and my supporters- I am deeply sorry.”
EPO was also behind the fall of former UFC bantamweight champ T.J. Dillashaw. Given the timing of Volkan Oezdemir’s announcement, it’s clear he won’t be fighting again until 2027. The UFC and CSAD subsequently confirmed the sanction, noting it is backdated to February 16, 2026, meaning Oezdemir can return on June 17, 2027.
“No Time” last fought in November, picking up a victory over Alonzo Menifield.
