UFC Veteran Erik Koch Receives 18-Month Sanction for USADA Violation

"The Phoenix” will be eligible to fight again in April 2022.

On Wednesday, USADA announced that former Ultimate Fighting Championship contender Erik Koch had accepted his 18-month suspension. "The Phoenix” tested positive for a metabolite of stanozolol called 3′-hydroxy-stanozolol. The test was carried on Oct. 3, 2020, coinciding with the date when his period of ineligibility begins.

Koch (16-6) most recently competed at UFC 240 in July 2019, when he outpointed Kyle Stewart via unanimous decision. That night, the World Extreme Cagefighting vet snapped a two-bout skid in addition to registering his first win since May 29, 2016. Previously, he dropped back-to-back decisions to Clay Guida and Bobby Green.

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On Dec. 23, 2020, the news broke out that “The Phoenix” was laid off by the UFC. The 32-year old fighter terminated his run in the Nevada-based promotion after 10 fights. Ultimately, he earned five wins and five defeats, fighting across three weigh-classes: featherweight, lightweight and welterweight.

The UFC vet also received a six-month reduction for having collaborated to clarify his position with USADA. As a result, he will be cleared to fight again starting April 2022.