Uzbek MMA featherweight Ramazan Temirov (19–2, 2–0 in UFC) announced a six-month suspension. The story is atypical for anti-doping cases: the fighter admitted he had used prohibited substances, later reported a 'clean' test result, yet the sanctions still took effect. His return to the Octagon is now expected no earlier than March 2026.
Abu Dhabi Matchmaking Falls Through
Temirov was initially scheduled to compete on July 26, 2025 at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi against Kazakhstan's Asu Almabaev. A few weeks before the event, the Uzbek withdrew from the bout, nixing an intriguing neighbors' derby in the Octagon. For both athletes, it would have been an important status check in the division, but the matchmaking had to be canceled.
The Anti-Doping Puzzle: Admission, 'Clean' Sample, and Sanction
The situation unfolded unusually. Temirov publicly stated that he had used banned substances and awaited a ruling on punishment. Later he noted that the doping-control analysis showed no violations. Nevertheless, the organization concluded there was a breach of anti-doping procedures and imposed a six-month suspension. This scenario is possible when penalties are applied not for a positive sample but for noncompliance with control rules — from late whereabouts notifications to other procedural inconsistencies.
Duration of Suspension and Target for Comeback
According to Temirov, the suspension timeline points to an optimistic target — March 2026. That implies a half-year layoff, a rebooted training camp, and a gradual return to competitive rhythm. For a fighter with a 19–2 record and a 2–0 run in the UFC, the pause looks manageable: he retains his roster status, and the window for a big comeback remains open.
What It Means for His Career and the Division
A six-month suspension is not a verdict but a disciplinary signal. Temirov will need to rebuild conditioning, recalibrate his reputation, and regain competitive tempo. The division will inevitably reshuffle in the meantime, but smart matchmaking for the return — a top-30 opponent, a stylistic challenge, and clear stakes — can bring him back into the news cycle quickly. If the team keeps preparation on track, March 2026 can become the launch point for a new surge in the UFC.
