UFC heavyweight Mohammed Usman has received a 30-month suspension after testing positive for testosterone, effectively barring him from competition until mid-2028. The ruling, announced by Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) on Friday, represents a significant disruption in Usman’s career at a crucial stage.
The suspension stems from Usman’s admission of testosterone use prior to his scheduled fight with Valter Walker and the banned peptide BPC-157 earlier in 2025, which ultimately caused his withdrawal from the bout.
Details of the Investigation and Admission
According to CSAD, while Usman acknowledged his use of prohibited substances, he did not promptly disclose this information. The organization stated he only admitted to the violations after being confronted with evidence gathered during an in-depth investigation.
“While Usman ultimately took responsibility for the above details,”
CSAD communicated in their press release.
“He did not do so in a timely fashion and not until CSAD confronted him with evidence they had independently collected during a detailed investigation of his use of these multiple prohibited substances as well as his attempt to deceive CSAD with a false explanation.”
Aggravating Factors Result in Extended Suspension
Usman received a base two-year suspension for the anti-doping violation, with an additional six months added due to aggravating factors related to deception and multiple substance use.
“If a UFC athlete uses multiple substances like Usman did and engages in deceptive or obstructive conduct to avoid the adjudication of an Anti-Doping Policy Violation like he did, then aggravating circumstances are determined to exist,”
the statement explained.
“While aggravating circumstances can double a standard suspension, because Usman ultimately admitted to the prohibited behavior, CSAD determined that a six-month addition to the standard 2-year suspension for using these substances was appropriate for these aggravating factors.”
Career Background and Upcoming Implications
Mohammed Usman, holding an 11-4 record, was last seen defeating Hamdy Abdelwahab by decision in June before agreeing to face Valter Walker. Usman is the younger brother of former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. Prior to MMA, he was a Division I defensive end at the University of Arizona and briefly pursued a career in the NFL.
This suspension sidelines Usman during a critical phase of his MMA trajectory, delaying his return to the octagon and potentially affecting future matchups and career progression within the UFC.
