Former UFC title challenger releases lengthy statement after being hit with 16-month ban
Volkan Oezdemir has described making the biggest mistake of his life upon accepting a 16-month ban from the UFC.
On Friday, Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) announced the 29-fight MMA veteran had violated the UFC Anti-Doping Policy (UFC ADP).
The 36-year-old tested positive for the banned performance-enhancing drug erythropoietin (EPO), which typically increases the maximum oxygen consumption capacity in the body.
A statement from the UFC revealed that Oezdemir was ‘persuaded’ by a local pharmacist to use EPO — information which came to light following CSAD’s investigation.
Oezdemir has taken full responsibility for his actions and his profound cooperation with CSAD has led to a reduced 16-month period of ineligibility.
The Swiss No. 8-ranked UFC light heavyweight‘s ban began on February 16, 2026, and he will be eligible to compete in UFC bouts again from June 17, 2027.
In a statement on his Instagram, Oezdemir revealed exactly what unfolded.
It is quite an extraordinary set of circumstances, given he and the UFC have both stated that the consumption of EPO came via an approach from a healthcare professional.
The UFC also revealed that Swiss law enforcement authorities were involved with the case and interviewed Oezdemir through the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Oezdemir ‘deeply sorry’ after EPO ban
“In February, I tested positive for EPO following recommendations of a healthcare professional,” Oezdemir, who unsuccessfully challenged UFC legend Daniel Cormier for the light heavyweight title in 2018, said.
“As an elite athlete, I am responsible for everything I put into my body. I made a mistake, and I take full responsibility for it.”
Oezdemir explained that he was contacted on Instagram by the pharmacist in question a few days after his last appearance at UFC Qatar in November 2025.
‘No Time’ bounced back with a first-round knockout of Alonzo Menifield on the Qatar card, having suffered a unanimous decision defeat to current light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg in his previous fight.
Oezdemir continued: “During our first meeting, [the pharmacist] told me about his connections with influential people, investment opportunities in one of the Gulf states and potential prospects for my career after retirement from sport.
“He also mentioned the possibility of patronage. I was 36 years old and thinking about life after my sporting career, so I was interested.”
Oezdemir said the conversation with the healthcare professional ‘shifted’ when he met him for a second time.
“He no longer talked about business, but about my recovery,” Oezdemir added.
“He presented me with a plan that, according to him, would get me back to peak physical condition within two months.
“He showed me a substance that he described as safe and undetectable. He had prepared a vial of EPO. He told me not to tell anyone about it. I complied.
“I gave myself the first injection that same evening. That was my decision. And it was the biggest mistake of my life.
Oezdemir explained that three days later, CSAD visited his home to conduct an anti-doping test, which came back on March 5 as positive.
“In that moment, the illusion was shattered, and my reality changed. But in a way, it was also a relief,” the Fribourg native said.
Oezdemir said he told the UFC and CSAd everything, with mitigating circumstances reducing his ban to 16 months.
“I acknowledge what I did, and I take full responsibility for it. Every athlete is responsible for what they put into their body,” he concluded.
UFC Schedule
There are still several blockbuster shows and exciting contests for fight fans to look forward to in 2026, and you can find the full list of all confirmed events and official bouts as part of talkSPORT.com’s UFC schedule.
The UFC, on average, puts on 13 to 14 premium events in a calendar year, with up to 30 smaller ‘Fight Night’ cards allowing prospects and less experienced fighters to showcase their talents.
On January 1, 2026, Dana White’s promotion signed a seven-year broadcast deal with CBS and Paramount+ for exclusive rights in the US, meaning the UFC has put on shows like never before this year.
With the historic first event in the new Paramount era, UFC 324, delivering huge success, and a one-of-a-kind fight card at the White House in June opening up the UFC to a new audience, the promotion remains a premium global sports brand, and fans are eager to keep track of results and upcoming fights.
“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 ultimately, myself. To everyone who has supported me—my family, my loved ones, and my supporters—I am deeply sorry.”
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