PFL featherweight world tournament champion Movlid Khaybulaev has been banned for one year by the US Anti-Doping Agency.
USADA, which until earlier this year handled drug testing and enforcement for the PFL, announced Wednesday that Khaybulaev (24-0-1, 1NC) had tested positive for recombinant erythropoietin (rEPO) in a drug test collected during the PFL World Tournament Finals on August 1, 2025. The substance, which is typically injected into the bloodstream and can improve cardio, is banned at all times under the PFL’s anti-doping policy PFL.
While PFL fighters are generally subject to a six-month ban for a first offense, Khaybulaev’s suspension was increased to a full year due to “the nature of the substance and the timing of his positive test,” USADA officials noted.
His suspension will extend back to August 1, 2025, the date his positive sample was collected.
PFL officials issued a statement announced on Wednesday evening that Khaybulaev had been disqualified from the World Tournament as a result. He also loses all associated bonuses and the championship belt itself.
“In accordance with the rules and regulations of the PFL, 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 championship title and all associated bonus prizes,” the league wrote, part of a longer statement on social media.
The PFL parted ways with USADA in October, with their drug testing program now handled by the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation. However, any abnormal results from before the switch would still be subject to USADA.
Khaybulaev’s win over Jesus Pinedo on August 1, 2025 fell under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey State Athletic Commission, which has yet to announce whether the win will be overturned.
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