Alexander Shabliy, a prominent fighter who previously challenged for a Bellator lightweight title and now competes under the PFL banner, has accepted a six-month suspension handed down by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).
The suspension follows a positive result from an out-of-competition drug test. USADA officials announced that Shabliy, 32, tested positive for recombinant erythropoietin (rEPO) in a sample collected on March 19, 2025.
rEPO is listed as a prohibited Peptide Hormone within the PFL Anti-Doping Policy and Prohibited List. It is banned for athletes at all times because this synthetic substance can be used to significantly boost red blood cell production, thereby enhancing oxygen carrying capacity. This provides a clear advantage in terms of cardio and overall conditioning, which is particularly beneficial for fighters.
Under the current PFL Anti-Doping Policy, the standard period of ineligibility for a prohibited substance is six months, although it can be extended in certain situations. In Shabliy`s case, USADA`s investigation suggested that his use was not intentional, and he provided valuable cooperation regarding the individual who administered the rEPO.
Shabliy`s six-month period of ineligibility officially commenced on March 19, 2025, the date the positive sample was collected. Based on this timeframe, he will be eligible to compete again sometime after September 19, 2025.
Shabliy`s last professional fight was in September 2024, where he lost a decision to lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov. He will now remain sidelined until his suspension is served, preventing him from competing again until at least September 2025.
Marcus Blakely