Movrid Khayblayev has been suspended from MMA for one year after failing a drug test. The 2025 PFL featherweight champion tested positive for recombinant erythropoietin in a sample taken during his August 1 fight, where he claimed the $500,000 title by defeating Jesus Pinedo, who tapped out in the fifth round.
The PFL officially announced that Khayblayev, a teammate of Khabib Nurmagomedov, has been stripped of his championship and all related bonuses. This decision also angered Brendan Loughnane, the fighter Khayblayev defeated by split decision in 2021. Loughnane expressed his frustration on Twitter, calling Khayblayev a “known cheater” and lamenting the financial and career impact of the loss.
Though Conor McGregor has not directly addressed Khayblayev’s suspension, he reposted a fan theory suggesting Nurmagomedov must have been aware of Khayblayev’s use of performance-enhancing drugs.
Separately, McGregor has shown interest in reigniting his competitive spirit by targeting a fight with Islam Makhachev. In a recent interview at his Dublin pub, McGregor expressed motivation to challenge for the 170-pound title, aiming for the Triple Crown. He anticipates an exciting matchup, especially given both fighters are southpaws, and took a subtle jab at Nurmagomedov, praising his past performances but noting Makhachev’s courage to move up in weight.
Fan Take: This controversy shakes up the featherweight division and raises important questions about doping oversight in MMA. McGregor’s renewed focus on the lightweight title adds an intriguing layer to the evolving rivalries within the sport, promising more high-stakes showdowns ahead.
