Mohammed Usman, brother of former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, was handed a suspension last month for violating the UFC Anti-Doping Policy after testing positive for a banned substance. The failed test came as a significant blow to the 34-year-old, who was starting to find his footing inside the Octagon. Combat Sports Anti-Doping, an organization that independently administers anti-doping services for the UFC, initially ruled that Usman must serve a suspension of two years and six months.
Now, however, the UFC has reportedly parted ways with the heavyweight contender, bringing his tenure with the promotion to an abrupt halt.
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Mohammed UsmanAziz Karimov-GettyImages
(Aziz Karimov-GettyImages)
The most reliable report of Usman’s release comes from UFC Roster Tracker on X:
Mohammed Usman’s Career
Usman had a decent record in the promotion, with four wins and two losses.
In his most recent fight, Usman won a decision against Hamdy Abdelwahab, who was also recently cut from the organization. Before that win, however, Usman suffered unanimous decision losses to Thomas Petersen at UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs. Jandiroba in June 2024 and to Mick Parkin at UFC Fight Night: Ribas vs. Namajunas in March 2024.
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The 36-year-old fighter entered the UFC with considerable hype, largely due to his famous last name and his victory on The Ultimate Fighter Season 30.
He won the heavyweight tournament in 2021, knocking out Zac Pauga to earn his contract and generate buzz as the younger brother of former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman.
(L-R) Mohammed Usman, Kamaru Usman Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC-GettyImages
(Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC-GettyImages)
Unfortunately for him, he was unable to replicate that success against higher-level competition.
The positive drug test effectively sealed his fate with the organization. The UFC has been strict in recent years regarding drug policy violations, often resulting in immediate termination for fighters not considered elite-level talents.
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Usman’s recent performances made him particularly vulnerable to a roster cut. Even in his last outing against Abdelwahab, which resulted in a win, Usman did not look particularly great.
This development leaves Mohammed Usman’s fighting future in serious doubt. He will have to serve his suspension before being eligible to compete again, likely in a different promotion like the PFL or even in the regional circuit.
It is a stunning fall for a fighter who once seemed poised to carry on a legendary family legacy.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the MMA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
