Looks like “No Time” will now have lots of time.
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) light heavyweight title challenger Volkan Oezdemir tested positive for erythropoietin (EPO) in both urine and blood samples collected during out-of-competition drug tests on Feb. 16, 2026, and March 5, 2026, in Le Mouret, Switzerland, according to an update from the promotion.
The UFC drug testing program is administered by Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD).
“That was my decision and it was the biggest mistake
of my life,” Oezdemir wrote on social media. “On March 5, I was informed that my test had come back positive. In that moment, the illusion was shattered, and my reality changed. But in a way, it was also a relief. I decided to tell the UFC everything. I cooperated immediately. I did the same with CSAD.”
The 36-year-old Oezdemir will not be eligible to return until June 17, 2027.
“No Time” is coming off a knockout victory over Alonzo Menifield as part of the UFC Qatar lineup last fall in Doha. Oezdemir (21-8) is perhaps best known for his light heavyweight title fight against then-champion Daniel Cormier in the UFC 220 pay-per-view (PPV) co-main event in early 2018.
The Swiss striker is currently ranked No. 8 at 205 pounds.
