Oezdemir celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/volkan_oezdemir
Volkan Oezdemir's MMA career will be interrupted, but not because of the results of his fights in the UFC. This Friday (17), the former challenger for the light heavyweight belt (up to 93 kg), who last fought in November in Qatar, reported that he failed an anti-doping test carried out by CSAD (Anti-Doping Agency in Combat Sports) and that he was suspended for 16 months.
It is true that, despite the Swiss fighter's honesty, the UFC has not yet made an official statement detailing the suspension. However, Oezdemir, through his official Instagram account, revealed that he tested positive for the banned substance EPO and that he learned of the result, which violates the organization's policy, in March.
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It is worth highlighting that 'EPO', or synthetic erythropoietin, has been banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency because it provides athletes with increased performance and endurance based on increased oxygen supply to the muscles. Unsurprisingly, Oezdemir, 36, who will only return to competition in 2027, admitted his mistake and expressed remorse.
Oezdemir's fighters in MMA
Volkan Oezdemir , 36, is a veteran of MMA and a former UFC light heavyweight title challenger. The Swiss fighter began his career in the sport in 2010, debuted in the organization in 2017, and fought for the title in 2018.
In this fighting style, 'No Time' built a record of 21 wins, 16 by stoppage (14 by knockout and two by submission), and eight losses. His main victories were over Aleksandar Rakic , Bogdan Guskov , Jimi Manuwa, Johnny Walker , Ovince Saint Preux , and Paul Craig.
Oezdemir's full explanation
“In February, I tested positive for EPO after following the recommendations of a healthcare professional. 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. A few days later, I was contacted via Instagram by a healthcare professional from Switzerland. He introduced himself as a fan and suggested we meet.”
“During our first meeting, he told me about his connections with influential people, investment opportunities in one of the Gulf countries, and prospects for my career after retiring from sports. He also mentioned the possibility of sponsorship. I was 36 years old and thinking about life after my sports career. So, I became interested.”
“I was recovering from ankle surgery. The healthcare professional and I met again, and the conversation changed. He was no longer talking about business, but about my recovery. He presented me with a plan that, according to him, would get me back to peak physical condition in two months. He showed me a substance that he described as safe and undetectable.”
“He had prepared a vial of EPO and told me not to tell anyone. I obeyed. I injected myself for the first time that same night. That was my decision, and it was the biggest mistake of my life. Three days later, the CSAD team came to my house to conduct a doping test. On March 5th, I was informed that my test had come back positive.”
“At that moment, the illusion was shattered and my reality changed. But, in a way, it was also a relief. I decided to tell everything to the UFC, I cooperated immediately, and I did the same with the CSAD. In the end, I received a 16-month suspension for my cooperation and the mitigating circumstances. I acknowledge what I did and take full responsibility for it.”
“Each 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 myself. To everyone who supported me, my family, my loved ones, and my fans, I am deeply sorry.”
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