The 36-year-old was scheduled to close out 2025 with a matchup against Valter Walker in October before he withdrew with what fans originally assumed was an injury, but Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) has confirmed that Usman tested positive for testosterone during the lead-up to that booking and was subsequently removed from the bout. <\/p>\n
Mohammed Usman Addresses UFC Suspension<\/p>\n
The CSAD statement<\/a> notes that Usman also admitted to previously using the peptide BPC-157, and the heavyweight fighter has accepted a ban that will last two and a half years. <\/p>\n READ MORE: Gable Steveson to face 14-fight MMA veteran as Olympian continues UFC push<\/a><\/p>\n Following the CSAD\u2019s ruling and statement on the matter, Usman himself took to Instagram<\/a> to address the ban and take full responsibility for his actions.<\/p>\n \u201cI want to address my suspension. During my recovery, I made a mistake while trying to heal, and I take full responsibility for it. This time has allowed me to get my health back, focus on my family, and gain a deeper appreciation for life. I have breath in my lungs, life, and I\u2019m truly blessed. I\u2019m taking things one day at a time and staying committed to growth and doing things the right way. I\u2019m grateful to the UFC, Rashad, Ali, and Brian and all my coaches for their continued support. We move forward\u201d<\/p>\n “The Motor” Will Be Sidelined For Two And A Half Years<\/p>\n The 30-month ban will keep Usman out of action until at least April of 2028, which means the TUF winner will be 39 years old by the time he\u2019s eligible to step into the Octagon again. <\/p>\n READ MORE: UFC’s Paddy Pimblett reveals when he will KO Justin Gaethje in UFC 324 main event<\/a><\/p>\n After knocking out the formerly-undefeated Zac Pauga in the second round to win the TUF 30 heavyweight finals, Usman\u2019s UFC career got off to a strong start when he took unanimous decisions over Junior Tafa and Jake Collier the following year. That winning run came to an end in 2024, as the \u201cThe Motor\u201d dropped back-to-back decisions to Mick Parkin and Thomas Petersen. <\/p>\n Mohammed Usman during his fight with Mick Parkin. | (Chris Unger\/Zuffa LLC)<\/p>\n Usman returned to the win column last June when he handed Hamdy Abdelwahab his first loss<\/a> at UFC Baku, but that result stands as his only fight of 2025 after his failed drug test scrapped the planned matchup with surging heavyweight contender Walker<\/a> in October. <\/p>\n More MMA Knockout News<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0UFC’s Paramount+ partnership prominently featured during NFL playoffs before UFC 324<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0UFC play-by-play commentator Jon Anik predicts massive UFC White House headliners<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0MMA fighter returns from two-year layoff to flatten opponent with must-see KO<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0UFC loses another huge fight as UFC 325 fighter reveals devastating injury<\/a><\/p>\n Stick with\u00a0MMAKnockout<\/a>\u00a0for more FREE coverage of the UFC and MMA.<\/p>\n Follow MMAKnockout on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Twitter<\/a>, and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Mohammed](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/01jy7ahmprqm87a3bbe2.jpg\" "\\"Mohammed")
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