Former UFC title challenger Volkan Oezdemir says he's been caught using a banned substance – and now will pay the price.

Friday, Oezdemir (21-8 MMA, 9-7 UFC) release a statement on Instagram in which he said the UFC's anti-doping program, Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD), recently suspended him 16 months after he tested positive for EPO.

Oezdemir admitted to using the substance at the recommendation of a healthcare professional and said he takes full responsibility for the lapse in judgment. The UFC confirmed Oezdemir's suspension shortly thereafter.

The UFC added that it inquired with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which then notified Swiss authorities, who conducted an interview of Oezdemir. The UFC says Oezdemir maintained his level of transparency throughout the process

The positive test, according to Oezdemir, came in February. If accurate, that means Oezdemir will be eligible to return in June 2027, at which point he will be 37.

Oezdemir said he met a Swiss healthcare professional while recovering from an ankle injury. What started out as a business venture switched to his recovery, with the professional indicating the substance would expedite the process and be undetectable. Oezdemir obliged and took an injection.

"That was my decision," Oezdemir wrote. "And it was the biggest mistake of my life. ... On March 5, I was informed that my test had come back positive. In that moment, the illusion was shattered, and my reality changed. But in a way, it was also a relief. I decided to tell the UFC everything. I cooperated immediately. I did the same with CSAD."