Volkan Oezdemir has been suspended from competition after testing positive for erythropoietin (EPO) in out-of-competition drug tests and will not be eligible to return until June 17, 2027.
Urine and blood samples collected from Oezdemir on Feb. 16, 2026, and March 5, 2026, in Le Mouret, Switzerland, returned positive results for EPO under the UFC drug testing program, which is administered by Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD).
Oezdemir addressed the situation directly, saying, "That was my decision and it was the biggest mistake of my life," and added, "On March 5, I was informed that my test had come back positive. In that moment, the illusion was shattered, and my reality changed. But in a way, it was also a relief. I decided to tell the UFC everything. I cooperated immediately. I did the same with CSAD."
Currently ranked No. 8 at light heavyweight, Oezdemir is a former UFC light heavyweight title challenger. He is coming off a knockout victory over Alonzo Menifield on the UFC Qatar lineup in Doha and previously fought Daniel Cormier for the light heavyweight title in the UFC 220 co-main event in early 2018.
