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Mohammed Usman: 'I Made a Mistake'

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Jan 18, 2026 2:55 PM ET

Mohammed Usman has spoken publicly for the first time since receiving a lengthy suspension from Combat Sports Anti-Doping. On Friday, CSAD announced that Usman tested positive for testosterone ahead of a scheduled Oct. 11 heavyweight bout with Valter Walker at UFC Rio. The positive test forced Usman out of the fight, and the investigation later revealed he also admitted to using the banned peptide BPC-157 earlier in 2025.

As a result, Usman was handed a 30-month suspension and is ineligible to compete until April 2028. Following the announcement, the 36-year-old released a statement on Instagram, offering an apology and taking responsibility for the violation.

“I want to address my suspension,” Usman wrote. “During my recovery, I made a mistake while trying to heal, and I take full responsibility for it. The time has allowed me to get my health back, focus on my family, and gain a deeper appreciation for life.”

Usman characterized the testosterone use as a mistake but did not dispute the findings or the penalty imposed by CSAD.

#UFC heavyweight Mohammed Usman releases first statement after being issued a 30-month suspension. pic.twitter.com/7CwEhWjYt9

— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) January 17, 2026

No Clarity on Fighting Future

While addressing the suspension, Usman stopped short of outlining any concrete plans for a return to competition once the ban expires.

“I’m taking things one day at a time and staying committed to growth and doing things the right way,” he added.

When the suspension ends in April 2028, Usman will be nearing 39 years old a significant consideration for any heavyweight attempting to resume a UFC career after nearly three years away from the Octagon.

Career Context and Recent Results

The younger brother of former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, Mohammed Usman currently owns a 4-2 record inside the UFC and an 11-4 professional MMA mark overall.

Usman won the heavyweight tournament on The Ultimate Fighter Season 30 and followed that victory with two straight UFC wins. However, his momentum stalled with back-to-back losses to Mick Parkin and Thomas Petersen.

He returned to the win column in June with a decision victory over Hamdy Abdelwahab at UFC Baku, which now stands as his most recent appearance.

Long Road Ahead

Usman’s apology closes one chapter of the story, but the suspension ensures a prolonged absence from competition during what are typically prime years for a UFC heavyweight.

Whether he chooses to resume his career in 2028 and whether the UFC door remains open remains unanswered. For now, Mohammed Usman’s focus appears firmly on accountability, recovery, and life away from the cage.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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