Hafez Suspended For Recovery ‘Mistake’

UFC Welterweight Bassil Hafez is the latest athlete to fail a drug test.

Generally, there have been fewer positive tests and suspensions since UFC kicked the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) to the curb in late 2023. Testing is now overseen by Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD), but they are not the organization making the announcement. In fact, Hafez beat CSAD to the punch by announcing his own suspension, though he didn’t offer up the exact length or what substance he tested positive for.

Per Hafez, the positive test resulted from a supplement he used while recovering from an injury.

“I have bad news for you guys. 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.“

Hafez (9-5-1) hasn’t fought since November 2024, when he suffered a third-round knockout loss to Oban Elliott. Prior to that fight, Hafez defeated Mickey Gall and fought Jack Della Maddalena to a competitive split-decision in his short-notice debut.

It’ll likely be quite some time before Hafez, age 34, is able to return to the Octagon.