Usman Nurmagomedov’s ex-opponent wrapped up in PED drama after failing test for the same drug as Lance Armstrong

Usman Nurmagomedov has a near-perfect MMA record of 19-0 (1 No Contest), with the only blemish on his resume being a failed drug test in 2023. It has now been reported that a former opponent of Nurmagomedov's, Alexandr Shabliy, has now failed an out-of-competition drug test.

The news was reported by MMA journalist Damon Martin, who stated that Shabliy has now received a six-month suspension from the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

According to Martin, the Russian fighter tested positive for a synthetic version of erythropoietin (EPO), the same performance enhancing drug (PED) that former professional cyclist Lance Armstrong admitted to using.

The MMA journalist wrote on X:

"Alexander Shabliy suspended for 6 months by USADA after testing positive for recombinant erythropoietin (rEPO) in an out-of-competition test. USADA determined use was not deliberate so he gets 6 months for the suspension. He'll be eligible to compete again after Sept. 19. #PFL"

Check out Damon Martin's post about Usman Nurmagomedov's ex-opponent below:

Former UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw infamously tested positive for EPO after he moved to flyweight to challenge the titleholder Henry Cejudo at UFC Fight Night 143 in 2019.

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Javier Mendez answers if Usman Nurmagomedov will go to the UFC

With Islam Makhachev having vacated the lightweight title and moved to welterweight to challenge Jack Della Maddalena, a space for a member of "Team Khabib" has opened up in the UFC's 155-pound division.

Usman Nurmagomedov is currently the lightweight champion in the Professional Fighters League (PFL), and has been called the second-best lightweight in the world behind Makhachev by longtime coach Javier Mendez.

Mendez recently discussed the possibility for the PFL lightweight champion to move to the UFC. The comments came during a recent interview with fellow MMA coach, Tim Welch, where Mendez said:

"No, there's no talks about it. They're taking really, really good care of him. But at the end of the day, when the contracts are up, the contracts are up. So whoever bids the highest, and the fighter wants to go, then that's where the fighter is gonna go. But at present time, he's got an obligation with PFL. They're taking great care of him. But I happen to think, and I've said it on many occasions, I think he's the second-best lightweight in the world."

Check out Javier Mendez discussing Usman Nurmagomedov below (51:05):