UFC welterweight Bassil Hafez announced he has been suspended after testing positive for a banned substance.
Hafez (9-5-1 MMA, 1-2 UFC) beat Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) to the news by announcing his suspension prior to a press release.
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CSAD typically includes specifics about the positive test, including the substance found, when the test was taken, and the length of the suspension the athlete will face. In getting ahead of the release, Hafez did not reveal any of those details in his statement. However, he did say the substance was discovered in a peptide he was taking while recovering from three surgeries this year, and has been fully cooperating with CSAD throughout the testing process.
Hafez, 34, wrote a statement in addition to speaking about the situation on video.
“I have bad news for you guys,” Hafez wrote on Instagram. “I’ve been suspended by the UFC and CSAD because of a mistake that happened during my recovery. I took a supplement during my healing process that ended up containing a banned substance. I had provided the clinic with the banned substance list and made it clear that those ingredients were not allowed, but it still ended up being included in the mix. At the end of the day, it falls on me for not double and triple checking before taking it. Being injured and sidelined from the sport I’ve spent the last 16 years training for has been incredibly rough, both mentally and physically.
“The could’ve, would’ve, should’ve won’t change anything now. I’ve been tested my entire career (17 times to be exact) and have never had a positive test or any issues before this. All I can say is that mistakes happen, and I’ll learn from this. Now it’s time to accept the outcome, move forward, and do better in the future. I can’t wait to see you guys in the Octagon again. All love ❤️ Your support is always appreciated.”
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Hafez’s last appearance was in November 2024, in a losing effort against Oban Elliott at UFC 309. His lone UFC win in three fights came in the bout prior, a unanimous decision win over Mickey Gall at UFC 302.
More details about Hafez’s suspension will be reported when available.
