MMA fighter Alexander Shabliy has accepted a six-month period of ineligibility imposed by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) following a positive test for a prohibited substance from an out-of-competition drug test.
USADA officials confirmed the suspension on Wednesday.
According to USADA`s statement, “Shabliy, 32, tested positive for recombinant erythropoietin (rEPO) as the result of an out-of-competition sample collected on March 19, 2025.” rEPO falls under the category of Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances, and Mimetics, which are banned at all times under the PFL Anti-Doping Policy (ADP) and PFL Prohibited List.
The standard penalty for such a violation under the PFL ADP is typically six months, though it can be extended up to a year under specific circumstances. However, USADA`s investigation revealed that Shabliy`s use was reportedly not intentional, and he provided significant assistance by cooperating regarding the individual who administered the EPO. As a result, he received the default six-month suspension. The ineligibility period began on March 19, 2025, the date the positive sample was collected.
Based on this timeline, Shabliy will become eligible to resume competition after September 19, 2025.
Recombinant erythropoietin is forbidden for athletes at all times because this synthetic substance is known to increase red blood cell production, thereby improving oxygen carrying capacity. This effect provides a clear advantage in terms of cardio and conditioning, which are crucial for fighters.
Shabliy, who is a former Bellator title challenger now competing in the PFL, has not competed since his loss to lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov in September 2024. With this suspension, he is now sidelined until at least late September 2025 before he can fight again.
Oliver Croft