Mohammed Usman Accepts 30-Month Doping Ban Following Positive Testosterone Test

Failed Test Scrapped UFC Rio Bout

CSAD confirmed that Usman’s sample was collected on Sept. 8, 2025. The positive result was returned just days before UFC Rio, leaving Walker without an opponent and forcing the bout’s cancellation.

In its official release, CSAD criticized not only the violations themselves, but Usman’s conduct during the investigation.

“While Usman ultimately took responsibility for the above details,” CSAD stated, “he did not do so in a timely fashion and not until CSAD confronted him with evidence they had independently collected during a detailed investigation of his use of these multiple prohibited substances as well as his attempt to deceive CSAD with a false explanation.”

Aggravating Circumstances Extend Suspension

Under CSAD’s anti-doping policy, a standard sanction for the violations would have resulted in a two-year suspension. However, the agency determined that additional punishment was warranted due to what it described as “aggravating circumstances.”

According to CSAD, “if a UFC athlete uses multiple substances like Usman did and engages in deceptive or obstructive conduct to avoid the adjudication of an Anti-Doping Policy Violation… then aggravating circumstances are determined to exist.”

As a result, CSAD added six months to the baseline penalty, extending Usman’s suspension to 30 months.

Career on Pause Until 2028

The younger brother of former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, Mohammed Usman won Season 30 of The Ultimate Fighter and has gone 4-2 inside the Octagon. Usman last competed in June 2025, earning a decision victory over Hamdy Abdelwahab. When his suspension expires on April 9, 2028, “The Motor” will be 39 years old.

The lengthy layoff raises serious questions about Usman’s future in the heavyweight division and whether he’ll be able to regain momentum after nearly three years away from competition. For now, his UFC ascent is officially on pause.