One of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s top proteges, Movlid Khaybulaev, is in trouble after being handed a one-year USADA suspension for testing positive for a banned substance.
The test was related to Khaybulaev’s 2025 PFL World Tournament victory over former featherweight titleholder Jesus Pinedo. Khaybulaev won the 2025 featherweight title by defeating Pinedo via fifth-round submission.
Khaybulaev’s suspension is retroactive to the August 1 fight, and at the time of writing, he and his team have no plans to appeal the punishment. He hasn’t fought since the Pinedo fight and is undefeated through 26 career fights.
Khaybulaev received more bad news from the PFL on Wednesday, shortly after news of his suspension emerged.
Movlid Khaybulaev, Khabib’s top protector, stripped of 2025 PFL Championship
In a recent post on Xthe PFL released a detailed statement on Khaybulaev’s suspension and announced the revocation of his title.
“The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has been notified by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) that athlete Movlid Khaybulaev tested positive for a controlled substance following his fight at the 2025 PFL World Tournament Finals,” the PFL wrote about Khaybulaev.
“In accordance with PFL Rules and Regulations, Khaybulaev has been disqualified from the 2025 PFL World Tournament. As a result of the disqualification under PFL Rules, Khaybulaev will forfeit the distinction of 2025 PFL Tournament Featherweight Champion.
“The PFL has a zero-tolerance policy towards the use of performance-enhancing substances and remains fully committed to the highest standards of fair competition, athlete safety and integrity in sport.”
Khaybulaev is the latest Team Khabib standout to test positive for a banned substance. Usman Nurmagomedov, Khabib’s cousin, tested positive for a performance enhancer in 2023 during his Bellator lightweight title reign.
Khaybulaev has been a fixture in the PFL featherweight division since 2019, when he knocked out Damon Jackson with a flying knee in his promotional debut.
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