Khaybulaev stripped of PFL title after failed drug test

Movlid Khaybulaev has been stripped of his PFL featherweight title and suspended for one year after failing a drugs test.

The United States Anti-Doping Agency (Usada) said Khaybulaev returned a positive result for recombinant erythropoietin, a form of banned blood-boosting hormone EPO.

His one-year suspension, which is the maximum sanction, is backdated to when the sample was collected on 1 August.

Khaybulaev, 35, beat Jesus Pinedo on that date to win the PFL featherweight final for a second time.

The PFL said the Russian has subsequently been disqualified from the 2025 tournament and loses his title and prize money.

"Khaybulaev forfeits the distinction of 2025 PFL Featherweight Tournament Champion, the championship belt, and all associated bonus awards," the PFL said.

"The PFL maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward the use of performance-enhancing substances and remains fully committed to the highest standards of fair competition, athlete safety, and integrity in sport."

Khaybulaev first won the PFL featherweight title in the 2021 tournament, beating Briton Brendan Loughnane via split decision in the semi-finals and earning a chance to fight for $1m (£750,000) in the final.

"This fight literally cost me millions of dollars. Lost a split decision to a known cheater. Sport is wild," Loughnane posted on X.

Recombinant erythropoietin is a synthetic hormone that increases red blood cell production - enhancing endurance by improving oxygen delivery to muscles.

Retired UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw tested positive for the substance in 2019 and was handed a two-year ban.