Volkan Oezdemir Suspended 16 Months After EPO Admission

Why Oezdemir Turned to a Banned Substance

Swiss light‑heavyweight Volkan Oezdemir says he injected the performance‑enhancing drug EPO after being approached by a health professional promising a rapid recovery. The fighter, 36, was recovering from ankle surgery when the consultant offered a substance he claimed was safe and undetectable. Oezdemir admits the decision was driven by a desire to return to peak condition quickly and by his contemplation of life after fighting.

The encounter began in Qatar at the end of 2025, where a doctor‑turned‑advisor messaged Oezdemir on Instagram, presenting himself as a career mentor. The conversation shifted from business ventures to a recovery plan, culminating in the offer of a prepared vial of EPO. The Swiss fighter describes the injection as “the biggest mistake of my life,” a mistake that led to a positive test just three days after the dose.

How the Positive Test Unfolded

Oezdemir’s sample, collected by the Combat Sports Anti‑Doping (CSAD) team, returned a positive result on March 5. He was informed while still processing the fallout of his recent fight, an event that left him feeling both broken and oddly relieved. The fighter immediately cooperated with both CSAD and the UFC, taking full responsibility for what he now calls a lapse in judgment.

During his statement, Oezdemir emphasized that the health professional supplied the substance free of charge and had prepared it himself. The mitigating factors—initial deception about business opportunities and the provision of a free, self‑prepared product—were cited by CSAD as reasons for a 16‑month suspension rather than a longer ban. The timeline of his career, which includes a 2018 title fight loss to Daniel Cormier, places this punishment in the context of his current competitive slump.

Consequences and Career Impact

With the suspension now in effect, Oezdemir’s professional record sits at 21‑8, capped by a November stoppage win over Alonzo Menifield. He posted a 15‑1 mark before the 2018 title fight, but since that loss to Cormier he has compiled a 6‑7 run, a decline that the ban could further extend. The 16‑month time‑out removes him from UFC competition through mid‑2027, jeopardizing any immediate hopes of a title rematch or a run at a new champion.

The case draws a parallel to former bantamweight king TJ Dillashaw, who admitted to EPO use in 2019 and received a one‑year ban. Both athletes’ admissions highlight a growing scrutiny on illicit performance aids and underscore the importance of trusted medical guidance in elite sport. For Oezdemir, the suspension may serve as both a punitive pause and a cautionary tale for fellow fighters navigating post‑career uncertainties.

Oezdemir expressed deep regret, acknowledging that his actions let down his sport, fans, and himself. He apologized to his family, loved ones, and supporters, vowing to learn from the ordeal. The UFC and CSAD have been contacted for further comment as the sport continues to battle doping challenges.