Former Georgia captain Merab Sharikadze has been handed a staggering 11-year ban from rugby following a major anti-doping investigation.
The 32-year-old, who captained Georgia at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, was sanctioned for his involvement in a scheme which allowed players to substitute urine samples during anti-doping tests.
However, Sharikadze had already walked away from rugby – and has since launched a career in MMA.
11-year ban
Sharikadze received the longest suspension following World Rugby's investigation into Georgian rugby.
He admitted supplying urine which was subsequently used as substitute samples for three teammates.
The violations included use or attempted use of a prohibited method, tampering and complicity.
There was no evidence the substitutions were being used to hide performance-enhancing drugs. Investigators instead found credible evidence supporting claims that players were trying to conceal substances including cannabis and tramadol.
Speaking after the decision, Sharikadze accepted responsibility but made clear he had already moved on from rugby.
He said: “Whether I have six years or 11 years now, it makes no difference to me.”
Sharikadze also admitted he had made a mistake, saying: “I understand I’m guilty.”
Several other players were also hit with lengthy suspensions as part of the wider Georgia doping scandal.
From rugby to MMA
Sharikadze had already started a very different sporting career before his final punishment was confirmed.
Explaining his decision to move into MMA, the former centre said: “I didn’t want my story to end like this.”
The 104-cap international headlined the inaugural Rkena Fighting Championship event in Tbilisi on 29 November 2025.
And he made a winning start.
Sharikadze stopped Poland's Patryk Kontny with punches just 34 seconds into the second round.
The contest was held under modified MMA rules and is classified as an exhibition.
Can he continue fighting?
The switch raises an intriguing question following his enormous suspension.
World Rugby says the sanctions result in a “complete suspension from all rugby activities.”
That does not, by itself, establish that Sharikadze is prohibited from competing in MMA. Whether he can fight again could depend on the organisation sanctioning the contest and its anti-doping framework.
There has been no further bout added to Sharikadze's MMA record since his debut.
Sharikadze won 104 caps and appeared at three Rugby World Cups, captaining Georgia in 2019 and 2023.
His rugby ban runs until 2035 – but his sporting career may not necessarily be over.
