Blagoy Ivanov, a PFL heavyweight and former UFC fighter, has been suspended by USADA for 22 months due to a failed drug test and will be ineligible to compete until January 2026.
PFL heavyweight and ex-UFC fighter Blagoy Ivanov won’t be allowed to compete again until 2026. He was suspended 22 months by USADA for a failed drug test.
USADA officials announced the suspension on Wednesday. It’s a violation of PFL’s anti-doping policy for fighters.
“Ivanov, 37, tested positive for an anabolic agent as the result of an out-of-competition sample collected on March 28, 2024,” USADA official stated. “His urine sample was analyzed using a specialized test.”
This test differentiates between anabolic androgenic steroids naturally produced by the body and prohibited anabolic agents of external origin.
“Ivanov received a reduction to the default period of ineligibility for his full and complete cooperation,” the statement continued. His 22-month period of ineligibility began on March 28, 2024, the date his positive sample was collected.
Based on this timeline, Ivanov would be eligible to compete again in January 2026.
A veteran with 27 fights, Ivanov signed with PFL after his UFC contract ended in 2023. He made his debut back in April but lost a decision to Sergei Bilostenniy.
That loss marked his third in a row, giving him a 1-5 record in his past six fights overall.
PFL has not yet addressed if Ivanov will remain on the roster during his suspension.