PFL heavyweight Blagoy Ivanov has been suspended 22-months by USADA stemming from a failed drug test.
USADA made the announcement on Wednesday.
Ivanov (19-7) tested positive for an anabolic agent on an out-of-competition test taken on March 28, 2024, per USADA officials. Officials cited Ivanov’s cooperation for the reduced sanction which began on March 28.
He will be eligible to compete in January 2026.
Ivanov made his PFL debut in April where he dropped a decision to Sergey Bilostenniy at PFL 1: 2024 Regular Season. He signed with PFL following an 8-fight run with the UFC where he put together a record of 3-5.
During his time with the UFC he earned victories over Ben Rothwell, Tai Tuivasa, and Marcos Rogerio de Lima. Other names he fought include former heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos, Derrick Lewis, and Marcin Tybura.
This is not his first stint with PFL, formerly known as the World Series of Fighting (WSOF). He fought for WSOF from 2015 to 2017. Prior to that he fought for Bellator 5 times including a loss to Alexander Volkov and a win over Lavar Johnson both UFC veterans.
PFL has not announced whether Ivanov will remain on the roster, but with a 22-month suspension it’s tough to see him continuing under their banner.
