News "End of the Wild West" Oktagon implements anti-doping testing from begin of 2026

[Tokoloko]

Oktagon has officially announced the full implementation of an anti-doping/antidrug system starting from the begin of 2026, driven by pressure from the Czech Anti-Doping Union and public scrutiny.

Promotion owners openly admit it will "hurt" their business if they refuse to sign or fire a someone due to doping, because other promotions like KSW will immediately pick them up without any questions. Despite this, Oktagon owners agreed to full testing due to external pressure, such as the Czech Judo and Wrestling Union completely banning "their" fighters from any involvement with Oktagon/MMA, labeling it as "unclean" sport. For instance, two-time Olympic gold medalist Krpálek reportedly faced major issues with the Judo Union around 2020 for collaborating with Oktagon for "just" promos. Oktagon also during 2025 reportedly due same reasons unsuccesfully tried to sign Olympionic wrestlers Artur Omarov and Adela Hanzlickova.

-Oktagon will reportedly give contracted fighters several months to "clean up" their systems before testing begins. Unofficially concerns focus less on long-term "juicing" (steroids) and more on pre-fight stimulant/drug usage for performance/less pain, which could be reportedly be "big" problem among some mma fighters.


some sources (unfortunately only Czech ones are avaible) -

Original: Fights.cz (Dec 6, 2025) - "Oktagon brzy zavede testy na doping, potvrdil rozhodčí a poukázal na další zásadní změnu"

English: "Oktagon will soon introduce doping tests, referee confirms and points to another major change"
Summary: Referee Pavel Touš confirms tests are imminent (2026 start), links to Lapilus/Salamone scandal, mentions business impacts.-
https://www.fights.cz/ceska-scena/o...odci-a-poukazal-na-dalsi-zasadni-zmenu-613173

Original: iSport Blesk (Nov 20, 2025) - "Oktagon chystá dopingové testy. Novotný: Budou nám kazit byznys, ale děláme to"

English: "Oktagon prepares doping tests. Novotný: They will kinda ruin our business, but we're doing it"
Summary: Owner Ondřej Novotný admits tests hurt profits (fighters jump to no-test promos like KSW) but proceeds due to pressure.-
https://isport.blesk.cz/clanek/osta...nam-kazit-byznys-ale-delame-to-pro-sport.html

Original: Seznam Zprávy (Feb 18, 2025) - "Šéf antidopingu ostře: MMA je problém. Vadí mi, že je mimo systém"

English: "Anti-doping chief sharply: MMA is a problem. It bothers me that it's outside the system"
Summary: CADC head criticizes MMA's gray zone, state pushes for control to enable testing/sanctions.-
https://www.seznamzpravy.cz/clanek/...t-hleda-cesty-jak-ho-dostat-do-systemu-270267


Original: iSport Blesk (Jan 29, 2025) - "Oktagon 66: dopingová kauza zasáhla dva bojovníky. Věděla organizace o trestě?"

English: "Oktagon 66: Doping scandal hits two fighters. Did the organization know about the ban?"
Summary: Lapilus/Salamone removed pre-event over French doping bans, exposes Oktagon's prior lax checks.-
https://isport.blesk.cz/clanek/osta...dva-bojovniky-vedela-organizace-o-trestu.html

Original: iSport Blesk (Dec 10, 2025) - "Steroidy v českém MMA? Obrovský problém, říká Dvořák. Vyšší platy by mohly doping omezit"
English: "Steroids in Czech MMA? Huge problem, says Dvořák. Higher pay could limit doping"
Summary: Fighter admits widespread steroid use, suggests better salaries as deterrent alongside tests. -
https://isport.blesk.cz/clanek/osta...orak-vyssi-platy-by-mohly-doping-vyresit.html

Original: MMAMag.cz (Dec 10, 2025) - "Většina MMA bojovníků sype. Oktagon tomu chce učinit přítrž"
English: "Most MMA fighters juice. Oktagon wants to put a stop to it"
Summary: Widespread PED use confirmed; Oktagon plans grace period for fighters to clean up before 2026 tests.-
https://www.mmamag.cz/oktagon-mma-steroidy-doping-kontroly/

Original: iSport Blesk - "Proč MMA nebude na olympiádě? Ať vyřeší doping, licenci máme my, říká šéf svazu zápasu"
English: "Why won't MMA be at the Olympics? Let them solve doping, we hold the license, says wrestling union head"
Summary: Unions (judo/wrestling) block MMA due to doping; Olympic recognition tied to clean testing. -
https://isport.blesk.cz/clanek/osta...ng-licenci-mame-my-rika-sef-svazu-zapasu.html

Original: Top-Fight.cz - "Konec divokého západu. Oktagon reaguje na kauzu dopingu a chystá testy"
English: "End of the wild west. Oktagon responds to doping scandal and prepares tests"
Summary: Post-Lapilus reaction; testing as path to legitimacy amid union/public pressure.-
https://www.top-fight.cz/konec-divokeho-zapadu-oktagon-reaguje-na-kauzu-dopingu-a-chysta-testy/


What do you think about this move. How big "edge" will get KSW on Oktagon due to antidoping...or will it be another "step" to "overrun" KSW and completely "take over" French market?

 

[skylolow]

Probably not good the owners are more less saying we are being forced into this, not a good look.

Overall, I guess it depends on how it is overseen. Are we talking about Pride's "drug testing program" or something like USADA.

 

[Tokoloko]

Probably not good the owners are more less saying we are being forced into this, not a good look.

Overall, I guess it depends on how it is overseen. Are we talking about Pride's "drug testing program" or something like USADA.

It should be similar to UFC's and PFL's antidoping system and owners actually planned it for long time. Financing was main problem...

 

[Bobby Boulders]

I think it is likely some Oktagon fighters might actually leave for KSW so that they can do their thing, but other fighters will sign with Oktagon bc perhaps they don't juice and are tired of fighting opponents who hold an edge. Speculation, of course.

 

[Hellowhosthat]

If KSW starts testing we've truly reached the end of days.

 

[Tokoloko]

If KSW starts testing we've truly reached the end of days.

Well KSW is getting kinda demolished on EU market right now if u compare them with Oktagon right now. Which is crazyness for anyone watching mma for 10+ years, but still its truth. - TV deals, amount of tournaments, ticket sales, rank of fighters.



So i dont think that KSW anymore determines if there's "end" of something.

 

[Bobby Boulders]

If KSW starts testing we've truly reached the end of days.

Despite all of the fanfare behind a suspension around a year ago, Japan is still live, imo

 

[leto1776]

“Did you take any steroids?”

“No?”

“Is it no? or NO.”

“No.”

“You pass”

Please let it be this