The UFC welterweight contender who lost a split decision to former champion Jack Della Maddalena has been banned.
UFC welterweight Bassil Hafez has only fought three times under the promotional banner since his signing in 2023.
In his debut, ‘The Habibi’ took on Jack Della Maddalena on what was a short notice call, and despite being a huge +400 underdog, he gave the former champion an incredible fight, and only lost via a split decision.
But now over six months removed from his last fight, the 34-year-old has been handed a ban by the UFC and the Combat Sports Anti-Doping.
Bassil Hafez reveals he has been banned by the UFC
Hafez last fought at UFC 309 last November when he took on fan-favourite, Oban Elliot, losing in the third round via a knockout.
And now months removed from that loss, Hafez has revealed that during his recovery from multiple injuries, he has been banned by the UFC and the CSAD.
“Alright guys, I got some bad news,” Hafez said in a video on his Instagram account.
“I’ve been suspended by the UFC, I tested positive for a banned substance that was in the peptides I was taking… It was an honest mistake and I had nothing to conceal or nothing to hide… I had three major surgeries this year alone which was keeping me out from fighting again.
“I wanted to make sure I was going to heal properly on the third surgery… I’ve always done everything by the book, even sending a list of the banned substances that I shouldn’t be taking to the clinic that prescribed me the peptides, my negligence was in trusting them.
“I’ve passed 17 drug tests since I’ve been in the UFC since 2023… I’m making this video to make sure other fighters are aware of these types of things,” he continued.
Usually, CSAD includes details regarding a fighters ban, including the length of suspension, the date of the positive test and the substance found, but in revealing the news before CSAD, Hafez didn’t include any of those details.