PFL's Blagoy Ivanov receives 22-month USADA suspension for failed drug test

Blagoy Ivanov won’t be seen in the PFL smart cage for quite some time.

Ivanov, a former UFC heavyweight who signed with PFL, has been given a 22-month suspension after failing an out-of-competition drug test on March 28. Ivanov, 37, tested positive for an anabolic agent, which is prohibited at all times under the PFL anti-doping policy.

The news was announced by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency on Wednesday.

Ivanov received a reduced suspension due to his “full and complete cooperation,” according to USADA. His suspension is retroactive to March 28, the date his positive sample was collected. He’ll be eligible to return in January 2026.

Ivanov (19-7) signed with the PFL after his UFC release in summer of 2023. He only competed once, losing a unanimous decision in April to Sergei Bilostenniy. Ivanov is 1-5 in his past six bouts. He’s been competing since 2007 and has fought for several major MMA promotions, including Bellator, WSOF, UFC, and now PFL.