“Killer” just got popped.
Two-time Professional Fighters League (PFL) Featherweight champion Movlid Khaybulaev has been suspended for one year after testing positive for a banned substance, according to an announcement from the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).
USADA officials revealed today (Wed., Dec. 17, 2025) that Khaybulaev tested positive for recombinant erythropoietin (rEPO) following his submission victory over Jesus Pinedo at the 2025 PFL World Tournament Finals this past Aug. — a win that initially secured him the Featherweight title (watch highlights).
USADA officials announced the suspension today (Weds., Dec. 17, 2025).
“Khaybulaev, 35, tested positive for recombinant erythropoietin (rEPO) as the result of an in-competition sample collected at the PFL World Tournament Finals on August 1, 2025, rEPO is prohibited at all times in the class of Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances, and Mimetics under the PFL Anti-Doping Policy (ADP) and PFL Prohibited List.
Under Section 10.2 of the applicable version of the PFL ADP, the default period of ineligibility for the use of a prohibited substance is six months but can be increased up to a year in certain circumstances. Here, Khaybulaev received the maximum one-year period of ineligibility because of the nature of the substance and the timing of his positive test.
Khaybulaev’s one-year period of ineligibility began on August 1, 2025, the date his positive sample was collected.”
EPO is a synthetic hormone that increases red blood cell production, enhancing endurance by improving oxygen delivery to muscles. While effective, it significantly raises the risk of blood clots, heart attacks, strokes, and even sudden death — making it one of the most dangerous and strictly prohibited forms of blood doping. Former UFC champion T.J. Dillashaw famously tested positive for EPO in 2019 and received a two-year suspension.
Former champion T.J. Dillashaw infamously tested positive for EPO and was suspended two years.
Shortly after USADA’s announcement, the PFL released its own statement, confirming additional penalties.
As a result of the positive test, Khaybulaev has been disqualified from the 2025 PFL World Tournament, forfeiting his Featherweight championship, title belt, and all associated bonus money. The promotion reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on performance-enhancing drugs.
Khaybulaev (24-0-1) has been a fixture in the PFL for years, compiling a 10-0-1 record under the banner. He previously captured the Featherweight title in 2021 with a unanimous decision win over Chris Wade, sat out the 2022 season, and returned in 2023 outside the tournament format.
The 35-year-old Russian re-entered the tournament in 2025, earning wins over Jeremy Kennedy, Tae Kyun Kim, and Jesus Pinedo — a run that has now been stained on the record books.
For much more on PFL MMA click here.
