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UFC’s Volkan Oezdemir Suspended 16 Months for EPO

7/18/2026

Summary

Oezdemir Suspended

Volkan Oezdemir (UFC fighter) received a 16-month suspension after EPO tests on Feb 16 and Mar 5, 2026.
The UFC Anti-Doping agency reduced the sanction because Oezdemir cooperated with anti-doping and Swiss authorities.
Oezdemir posted on Instagram that a pharmacist recommended EPO and he accepted full responsibility.
The suspension bars him from competition until June 17, 2027, removing a ranked light-heavyweight from the division.

Summary

Oezdemir Charges Dismissed

Felony charges against Oezdemir were dismissed after the alleged victim failed to cooperate with investigators.
He posted on social media that the positive result shattered his illusion and oddly gave him a sense of relief.
The out-of-competition samples were collected in Le Mouret, Switzerland on Feb 16 2026 and Mar 5 2026.
EPO was detected in both his urine and blood specimens.
UFC’s anti-doping program is administered by Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD).

Summary

Oezdemir Injects EPO

A Swiss healthcare professional messaged Oezdemir after his November 2025 Qatar fight and offered a free EPO vial, claiming it was safe and undetectable.
Oezdemir injected the vial that night, prompting the Swiss Centre for Anti-Doping (CSAD) to perform a home test three days later that showed a swift anti-doping response.
The incident reveals that isolated athletes can be targeted by external medical contacts, sparking calls for better education and reporting.

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Oezdemir Suspended

Volkan Oezdemir (UFC fighter) received a 16-month suspension after EPO tests on Feb 16 and Mar 5, 2026.
The UFC Anti-Doping agency reduced the sanction because Oezdemir cooperated with anti-doping and Swiss authorities.
Oezdemir posted on Instagram that a pharmacist recommended EPO and he accepted full responsibility.
The suspension bars him from competition until June 17, 2027, removing a ranked light-heavyweight from the division.

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