Ukrainian MMA fighter Danylo Voyevodkin has been handed a two-year suspension after testing positive for meldonium, forcing the promising 24-year-old athlete to remain sidelined until November 2026.
Voyevodkin addressed the situation through his Instagram account, revealing details about his positive test from October last year and expressing frustration with how his management handled the case.
"I received many questions about this situation," Voyevodkin stated. "A test taken a month and a half later came back negative, as meldonium typically takes almost a year to clear from the system. They offered to reduce my suspension by six months if I admitted guilt, but I stood my ground. Unfortunately, my management did nothing to help in this situation. I've learned that working exclusively with people you trust completely is essential."
The timing is particularly unfortunate for Voyevodkin, who had secured a UFC contract in September 2024 after an impressive victory on Dana White's Contender Series. According to Statbet analysis, this suspension represents one of the more significant setbacks for emerging Ukrainian combat sports talents this year.
Under the terms of his suspension, Voyevodkin will not be eligible to return to competition until November 10, 2026, effectively putting his promising UFC career on hold before it truly began.
In related Ukrainian combat sports news, heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has reportedly expressed willingness to face a former UFC champion, though specific conditions would need to be met for such a crossover bout to materialize.
