The UFC roster’s just gotten thinner, and heavyweight Mohammed Usman seems to be at the center of it all. After a 30-month suspension, the promotion officially removed Usman on Feb. 12. It was handed down by Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) in Jan. Ex-welterweight champ Kamaru Usman’s younger brother had beautifully built a 4-2 Octagon record. However, his recent violation left him sidelined, and the UFC decided it was time to part ways.
The suspension, though, stemmed from an out-of-competition sample collected on September 8, 2025. It tested positive for both testosterone and the banned peptide BPC-157. CSAD extended the standard two-year ban to 30 months. That’s ‘cause the 36-year-old initially tried to provide a false explanation before admitting he did use. Retroactive to Oct. 9, 2025, the ban keeps him out of action until April 9, 2028.
During his UFC run, Usman claimed wins over Zac Pauga, Junior Tafa, and Jake Collier. Plus, captured The Ultimate Fighter Season 30 heavyweight tournament. His last fight came on June 21, 2025, a unanimous decision over Hamdy Abdelwahab. Alluding to the setback, he responded publicly to the release,
“I want to address my suspension. During my recovery, I made a mistake while trying to heal, and I take full responsibility for it. This time has allowed me to get my health back, focus on my family, and gain a deeper appreciation for life. I have breath in my lungs, life, and I’m truly blessed. I’m taking things one day at a time and staying committed to growth and doing things the right way. I’m grateful to the UFC, Rashad, Ali, and Brian and all my coaches for their continued support. We move forward.”
Alongside the 110 kg star, welterweight Adam Fugitt was also cut from the UFC roster.
UFC Heavyweight Rankings Shake Up as Mohammed Usman and Others Get Cut
As of Feb. 14, 2026, Ciryl Gane holds the #1 contender spot behind interim champion Tom Aspinall. Alexander Volkov, Sergei Pavlovich, and Curtis Blaydes round out the top 4. Notable movement includes Rizvan Kuniev breaking into the top 6. Derrick Lewis and Marcin Tybura, meanwhile, have dropped two spots each. Jailton Almeida, previously #8, was removed after his release on Feb. 12.
Roster changes haven’t stopped there, though. Mohammed Usman and Adam Fugitt were both cut on Feb. 13. Alex Morono and Javid Basharat were also released earlier this month, while Patchy Mix left for Rizin, and Aaron Tau faced a weigh-in issue.
These moves show UFC’s early 2026 push to trim its roster, also refocus on top contenders and rising prospects. Depth is shifting, and the heavyweight division, in particular, is getting a legit shake-up.