Mohammed Usman breaks silence after lengthy 30-Month suspension for banned substances.
UFC heavyweight Mohammed Usman has spoken publicly for the first time after receiving a lengthy 30-month suspension from Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) for the use of banned substances and for initially giving misleading information during the investigation.
CSAD announced that Usman tested positive for testosterone and the banned recovery peptide BPC-157 in a sample collected in September 2025. The organisation also stated that he attempted to mislead investigators with a false explanation, which added extra time to his ban. As a result, Usman is suspended from competition until April 2028.
In a statement shared on his social media pages, Usman accepted responsibility for his actions and apologised to fans, the UFC, and his team. In his statement, Usman didn’t shy away from acknowledging the gravity of the situation, but he also expressed gratitude and a commitment to personal growth. He thanked the UFC, his coaches, and supporters for staying by his side and said this period has given him perspective on both his life and career.
“I want to address my suspension. During my recovery, I made a mistake while trying to heal, and I take full responsibility for it. This time has allowed me to get my health back, focus on my family, and gain a deeper appreciation for life. I have breath in my lungs, life, and I’m truly blessed. I’m taking things one day at a time and staying committed to growth and doing things the right way. I’m grateful to the UFC, Rashad, Ali, and Brian and all my coaches for their continued support. We move forward”🔐🇳🇬
Usman’s suspension began retroactively on October 9, 2025 and runs through April 9, 2028, meaning he won’t be eligible to compete again until he’s nearly 39 years old. The ban represents a significant interruption in his career during what would have otherwise been some of his prime athletic years.
The long suspension now leaves Usman at a crossroads in a division where momentum is everything and time waits for no one. By the time he is eligible to return, the heavyweight landscape could look completely different, with new contenders, new champions, and new storylines.
Whether he can fight his way back into relevance will depend not just on his power and skill, but on how well he rebuilds his reputation with fans, officials, and fellow fighters. For Usman, the comeback if it comes will be about more than wins and losses. It will be a test of character, patience, and discipline. When the Octagon door eventually closes behind him again, it won’t just mark the start of another fight; it will mark the beginning of a second chance to prove he belongs there the right way.
