Volkan Oezdemir will not be returning to the Octagon anytime soon after being popped for EPO use.
The UFC light heavyweight hasn’t seen action in 2026, and now we know why. “No Time” took to his Instagram page to reveal that he tested positive for the banned substance earlier this year. As a result, he has been suspended until June 17, 2027.
Oezdemir admitted that he has no one to blame but himself for the situation.
“In February, I tested positive for EPO after following the recommendations of a healthcare professional,” Oezdemir wrote. “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 doubled down on his apology over the lapse in judgment, calling it the “biggest mistake of my life.” The one-time light heavyweight title challenger last saw action back in Nov. 2025. He scored a first-round knockout win over Alonzo Menifield at UFC Qatar. Many thought it was a nice bounce back win for “No Time” and were intrigued by what would be next, but Oezdemir will be 37 years old by the time he’s eligible to fight again.
This could end up being a costly error for Oezdemir, who had gone 3-1 in his last four outings. The lone defeat in that stretch was against the current UFC light heavyweight titleholder Carlos Ulberg. Oezdemir is the No. 8-ranked 205-pounder, but he may find himself off the list soon following his recent admission.
Whether or not Oezdemir will lose a step or two upon his return remains to be seen. Many have viewed “No Time” as a strong gatekeeper in the light heavyweight division, but he had hopes of getting one last shot at UFC gold. How far this setback will push Oezdemir away from his goal remains to be seen.
What do you make of Volkan Oezdemir’s failed drug test? Sound off in the comments below.
