Professional Fighters League (PFL) featherweight champion Movlid Khaybulaev has been stripped of his title and handed a one-year suspension after testing positive for a banned substance. The announcement was confirmed by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

Details of the Failed Drug Test

Khaybulaev, 35, returned a positive result for recombinant erythropoietin (EPO), a synthetic hormone that increases red blood cell production and enhances endurance by improving oxygen delivery to muscles. The one-year suspension is the maximum penalty under USADA rules and is backdated to 1 August 2025, the date the sample was collected.

The Russian fighter won the PFL featherweight final on that date against Jesus Pinedo, marking his second tournament victory. As a result of the failed drug test, Khaybulaev has been disqualified from the 2025 tournament, forfeiting his title and all prize money.

The PFL released a statement:

“Khaybulaev forfeits the distinction of 2025 PFL Featherweight Tournament Champion, the championship belt, and all associated bonus awards. The PFL maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward the use of performance-enhancing substances and remains fully committed to the highest standards of fair competition, athlete safety, and integrity in sport.”

Khaybulaev’s Career and Previous Achievements

Khaybulaev first won the PFL featherweight title in 2021, defeating Briton Brendan Loughnane via split decision in the semi-finals before claiming a shot at $1 million (£750,000) in the final. Loughnane reacted to the news on social media, stating:

“This fight literally cost me millions of dollars. Lost a split decision to a known cheater. Sport is wild.”

The use of recombinant erythropoietin is not new in professional sports. Retired UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw tested positive for EPO in 2019 and received a two-year ban, highlighting the substance’s serious impact on competitive integrity.

Implications for the PFL Featherweight Division

Khaybulaev’s disqualification opens the door for other fighters in the featherweight division to contest for the title. The PFL continues to enforce strict anti-doping policies to ensure fairness and uphold the reputation of the league.