Daniel Cormier's Former Challenger Admits Steroid Use, Faces 16-Month Ban

Volkan Oezdemir, the UFC light-heavyweight who challenged Daniel Cormier for the title in 2018, has admitted to injecting the banned steroid EPO and accepted a 16-month suspension. The Swiss fighter revealed his mistake on Instagram, detailing how a healthcare professional misled him into using the performance-enhancing drug.

What Happened?

Oezdemir tested positive for EPO in February 2026 after following advice from a Swiss healthcare professional. He claims the man initially approached him under the guise of discussing business opportunities but later provided the banned substance, which Oezdemir injected. The UFC fighter cooperated fully with authorities, leading to a reduced suspension.

Why It Matters for Daniel Cormier

Oezdemir’s admission casts a shadow over his 2018 title fight against Daniel Cormier, where he lost by second-round knockout. While Cormier’s victory remains legitimate, the revelation raises questions about the fairness of past competitions. Cormier, a two-division UFC champion, has long been a vocal advocate against doping in MMA.

What Comes Next?

Oezdemir’s suspension ends in 2027, but his career may never fully recover. The 36-year-old’s record now stands at 21-8, with a notable decline since his loss to Cormier. Meanwhile, Daniel Cormier remains retired, leaving fans to wonder how this scandal might reshape his legacy in the sport.

Oezdemir’s last fight was a first-round stoppage of Alonzo Menifield in November 2025. His suspension follows a pattern of doping violations in MMA, including TJ Dillashaw’s 2019 ban for EPO use.