Volkan Oezdemir Suspended 16 Months for EPO

How He Acquired EPO and His Self-Disclosure

Oezdemir did not seek out the substance. After his most recent UFC bout in November 2025, a local pharmacist unsolicitedly contacted him, claimed he could improve Oezdemir's performance, and assured him the UFC drug program could not detect EPO . Oezdemir was initially skeptical but was ultimately persuaded by the pharmacist .

Upon being contacted by CSAD, Oezdemir immediately provided full cooperation. He produced extensive evidence including text message exchanges with the pharmacist . CSAD referred the matter to WADA, which connected CSAD with Swiss law enforcement. Oezdemir participated in a formal interview with Swiss authorities and provided them the same evidence .

Why the Penalty Was Reduced to 16 Months

Under the UFC ADP, CSAD may reduce a period of ineligibility when an athlete provides full and complete cooperation .

The key factors that led to the reduced sanction:

1. Oezdemir did not seek out EPO — the pharmacist approached him unsolicited .
2. Complete transparency throughout the investigation .
3. Voluntary cooperation with Swiss law enforcement, facilitated by CSAD .

The standard penalty for an intentional EPO use violation would typically be 2 years or more, but CSAD determined that 16 months was appropriate given the circumstances . Oezdemir publicly called it "the biggest mistake of my life" and admitted he was fooled by someone posing as a healthcare professional .