Who is Gokhan Saricam? First PFL fighter to be handed USADA suspension
Gokhan Saricam became the first PFL fighter to receive a USADA suspension since the two sides partnered. The heavyweight contender accepted a one-year suspension for violating the promotion's Anti-Doping policy, according to an official press release from the testing agency.
The official statement released revealed that Saricam failed multiple tests, with clomiphene showing up in his system both times, stating:
"Saricam, 33, tested positive for clomiphene and its metabolites as the result of samples collected out-of-competition on April 29, 2024 and May 12, 2024. Because Saricam was not yet notified of the positive tests after both samples were collected, they were treated as a single violation."
The release continued:
"Clomiphene is a Specified Substance in the class of Hormone and Metabolic Modulators and is prohibited at all times under the PFL Anti-Doping Policy and PFL Prohibited List. Saricam’s one-year period of ineligibility began on April 29, 2024, the date his first positive sample was collected." [h/t USADA]
USADA and the Professional Fighters League entered a partnership exactly one year prior to the announcement of Saricam's suspension. He is eligible to return to action on April 29, 2025.
Who is Gokhan Saricam, the first suspended PFL fighter?
Gokhan Saricam began his professional mixed marital arts career in 2014, however, it took him nearly four years to return to action for the second time. After starting off his career with four consecutive finishes on the regional scene - fighting in promotions MaxPain, A1WCC and Fight Club Den Haag - he signed with Bellator in 2019.
The heavyweight contender suffered his first career loss in his promotional debut, however, he was able to bounce back with four consecutive wins, including two finishes, to improve to 8-1. After taking his second loss in 2023, he bounced back later in the year with another victory.
Following Bellator being purchased by the PFL, Saricam had been set to make his promotional debut at PFL 4 last month. He was originally set to face Steve Mowry, who withdrew and was replaced by Danilo Marques. He was pulled from the card, however, due to his positive test.
Saricam holds a professional mixed martial arts record of 9-2. He has won five fights via knockout, one fight via submission and three fights via decision. He has never been knocked out, however, he has lost once via submission and once via decision. He will be 34 years old when he is eligible to return.