Ex-UFC Title Challenger Volkan Oezdemir Receives 16-Month Suspension for EPO Doping
Former UFC light heavyweight title challenger Volkan Oezdemir has been suspended for 16 months after testing positive for the banned substance EPO in February 2026. Oezdemir, who challenged Daniel Cormier for the title in 2018, claimed he was persuaded to take the substance by a healthcare professional from Switzerland who initially approached him about business and investment opportunities. The 36-year-old fighter said he was recovering from ankle surgery and was presented with a recovery plan that included EPO, described as 'safe and undetectable.' Oezdemir admitted it was 'the biggest mistake of my life' and took full responsibility. EPO increases red blood cell production, enhancing endurance, and is banned in professional sports. Oezdemir had maintained a clean record prior to this positive test.
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