Ex‑UFC Fighter Faces 16‑Month Ban After EPO Slip‑Up

A former UFC title contender has been handed a 16‑month suspension after a doping test revealed the use of EPO, a banned substance that boosts oxygen delivery to muscles.

Background

• The athlete once challenged the light‑heavyweight champion for the title but lost in 2018.
• He had never failed a drug test before this incident, maintaining a clean record throughout his career.

The Incident

• February: Tested positive for EPO.
• He later admitted that a Swiss healthcare professional convinced him to take the drug, promising rapid recovery from an ankle injury.
• The professional offered a “plan” that would have him back in shape within two months and assured him it was safe.
• The fighter accepted the injection that evening, a decision he now calls the biggest mistake of his life.

Key Takeaways

• Even a single positive test can derail a fighter’s career.
• Athletes must be vigilant about medical advice and potential doping risks.
• Cooperation with anti‑doping bodies can mitigate the severity of sanctions.