Khabib Nurmagomedov's training partner fails a doping test and loses his PFL title.

Movlid Khaybulaev on Khabib Nurmagomedov In her corner. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

The Dagestan Clan suffered a major blow to its reputation this week, and it happened entirely outside the octagon. Movlid KhaybulaevA member of the team and winner of the 2025 PFL featherweight tournament (up to 65,7 kg) tested positive in an anti-doping test conducted by USADA on the day of the championship final against Peruvian Jesus Pinedo. As a result, the fighter is suspended for 12 months and will only be able to return to competition in August 2026, when the duel will mark its one-year anniversary.

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The organization issued an official statement on its social media last Wednesday (17). Through this, it informed that the athlete was disqualified from the tournament, and therefore, gave up not only the status of champion but also the prizes linked to the conquest and the belt. For now, the New Jersey Athletic Commission has not commented on the matter and therefore the fight remains a victory in the Russian's record.

 

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This was the first time Khaybulaev tested positive for doping. Undefeated with 24 wins and one draw, the Russian also has one no-contest due to an ironic incident, to say the least. In 2019, he was knocked out by... Daniel Pineda It was still in the first round, but his opponent tested positive in a test shortly afterward. Therefore, his undefeated record was restored.

The drug used by Khabib's protégé is known in the sports world.

T. Dillashaw served a two-year suspension for doping. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

According to the agency, which ended its partnership with the PFL a few days after the tournament final, the substance found in the test was recombinant erythropoietin, a synthetic version of EPO. The drug stimulates the production of red blood cells and consequently improves the cardiovascular system. It is administered exclusively by injection.

In the UFC, the most prominent case of an athlete involved in the use of the substance was... TJ DillashawThe then-bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg) was caught doping after facing Henry Cejudo in the flyweight category (up to 56,7kg). He lost his Ultimate title and was suspended.