MMA fighter Alexander Shabliy, a former Bellator lightweight title challenger, has received and accepted a six-month ban from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). This follows a positive test result for a prohibited substance from a test conducted outside of competition.
USADA officially announced this suspension on Wednesday.
In a statement, USADA revealed that the 32-year-old Shabliy tested positive for recombinant erythropoietin (rEPO). The positive sample was collected on March 19, 2025, during an out-of-competition test. rEPO is a substance banned year-round under the PFL`s Anti-Doping Policy (ADP) and Prohibited List, belonging to the category of Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances, and Mimetics.
According to Section 10.2 of the PFL ADP, the standard period of ineligibility for using a banned substance is six months, although it can be extended up to one year depending on the specifics. USADA`s investigation indicated that Shabliy`s use of the substance was not intentional, and he cooperated significantly by providing information about the person who administered the EPO. The six-month ban officially began on March 19, 2025, the day his sample was collected.
With this suspension, Shabliy will be eligible to compete again sometime after September 19, 2025.
rEPO is prohibited at all times for athletes because this synthetic substance increases the production of red blood cells. This enhances the body`s ability to carry oxygen, providing a clear advantage in terms of cardiovascular endurance and conditioning, which is particularly beneficial for fighters.
Shabliy, who now competes under the PFL banner, has not fought since his decision loss to lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov in September 2024. As a result of the suspension, he will be sidelined until at least September 2025 before he can return to competition.
