Another one! Heavyweight brother of UFC legend fired after doping issues.

Usman backstage at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

Shortly after the announcement of Jailton Malhadinho 's dismissal , it was the turn of another important name in the heavyweight category (up to 120,2 kg) to be released by the company. Mohammed Usman , champion of the thirtieth season of The Ultimate Fighter and younger brother of Kamaru Usman, had his contract terminated with the UFC. The information was first reported by journalist Tom Feely and later confirmed by other media outlets, such as the American website 'MMA Fighting'.

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Adam Fugitt and Mohammed Usman have been removed from the https://t.co/YHr2ZDr3YN roster

— Tom Feely (@omgitsfeely) February 12, 2026

The Nigerian has competed six times in the world's largest MMA organization, with four wins and two losses. His last fight was in June of last year, when he defeated Hamdy Abdelwahab by unanimous decision at UFC Baku . He was scheduled to face Valter Walker at UFC Rio, however, he was removed from the card after showing high levels of testosterone in his anti-doping tests.

Initially, the fighter admitted to using the illegal substance but claimed through his social media that the doping was part of treatment for an injury. Due to the attempt to deceive the agency, Combat Sports Anti-Doping suspended him for 30 months. Therefore, he will only be able to return to competition in April 2028. In addition to him, welterweight (up to 77,1 kg) Adam Fugitt was also cut.

The UFC has been 'cleaning house' in the heavyweight division.

Martin Buday defeated Marcus Buchecha at UFC Abu Dhabi (Photo: Twitter/UFC News)

Last Wednesday (11), the MMA world was taken by surprise with the end of Malhadinho's cycle in the Ultimate. Despite two consecutive defeats, the Bahia native occupied the eighth position in the category ranking and had just renewed his contract with the organization. In addition, the fighter's manager had announced the intention to make the black belt in Jiu-Jitsu transition to light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) definitively.

However, Malhadinho and Usman aren't the only ones to have been let go by UFC HR in recent months. Recently, Martin Buday also said goodbye to his job, even with a positive record and wins against names of Marcus Buchecha 's caliber . Considering the new agreement with Paramount+, this shows a clear intention to prioritize athletes with a greater potential to participate in violent fights.

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