PFL heavyweight, ex-UFC fighter Blagoy Ivanov suspended 22 months for failed drug test

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PFL heavyweight and ex-UFC fighter Blagoy Ivanov won’t be allowed to compete again until 2026 after he was suspended 22 months by USADA for a failed drug test.

USADA officials announced the suspension on Wednesday as 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 that 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. Ivanov’s 22-month period of ineligibility began on March 28, 2024, the date his positive sample was collected.”

Based on the timeline of his suspension, Ivanov would be eligible to compete again in January 2026.

A 27-fight veteran, Ivanov signed with PFL after the conclusion of his UFC contract in 2023. He made his debut back in April but dropped a decision to Sergei Bilostenniy, which served as his third loss in a row, giving him a 1-5 record in his past six fights overall.

PFL has not addressed if Ivanov will remain on the roster during his suspension.