Failed Drug Test Sidelines PFL Fighter Alexander Shabliy for 6 Months

By Drug Test Digest Staff | June 7, 2025

In the latest chapter of combat sports colliding with chemistry, Alexander Shabliy, former Bellator lightweight title contender, has been suspended by USADA for failing a drug test. The banned substance? None other than recombinant erythropoietin—better known as rEPO—a synthetic drug infamous for boosting red blood cell production and endurance.

According to MMAFighting.com, the sample that triggered the suspension was collected during an out-of-competition test on March 19, 2025. Shabliy, 32, accepted the six-month suspension, which is retroactive to that same date—meaning he’ll be eligible to compete again on September 19.

The United States Anti-Doping Agency noted that while the use of rEPO is strictly banned at all times under the PFL Anti-Doping Policy, their investigation found no evidence of intentional cheating. In fact, Shabliy reportedly cooperated and helped identify the individual who administered the banned substance—earning him leniency under the policy's cooperation clause.

This is Shabliy’s first anti-doping violation, and it comes at a pivotal time in his career. He hasn’t stepped into the cage since a decision loss to Usman Nurmagomedov in September 2024, and this suspension further delays any potential comeback under the PFL banner.

For those unfamiliar, rEPO isn’t just a performance enhancer—it’s practically an endurance cheat code. It increases oxygen-carrying capacity, which means better cardio, longer gas tanks, and a serious competitive edge. No surprise it’s a hot topic in sports like MMA, cycling, and even long-distance running.

Whether accidental or not, this case once again highlights the tightrope athletes walk between elite performance and banned substances—where even cooperation doesn’t erase the consequences.

Full story here: Alexander Shabliy suspended 6 months by USADA for failed drug test.