UFC Fighter Admits to Being High on LSD During Fight

Blake Bilder reveals he took LSD before his UFC 289 bout, leading to a loss and his decision to get sober.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Former UFC fighter Blake Bilder admitted that he took a large dose of LSD right before his fight at UFC 289 in Vancouver, Canada. Bilder said he snuck the drugs across the border and was immediately drug tested upon arrival, but still competed while under the influence. He ended up losing the fight via unanimous decision and the experience convinced him to get sober.

Why it matters

Bilder's admission highlights the dangers of competing in high-level professional sports while under the influence of drugs. The UFC has strict anti-doping policies in place, and Bilder's actions put his health and safety, as well as that of his opponent, at risk. His story also underscores the challenges some athletes face with substance abuse issues.

The details

According to Bilder, he took a "bunch of LSD" before his fight against Kyle Nelson at UFC 289 in June 2026. Bilder said he snuck the drugs across the Canadian border and took them right before heading to the venue, where he was immediately selected for a drug test. Despite being high on LSD, Bilder still competed, losing the fight via unanimous decision. Bilder said the experience convinced him to get sober, as he was facing intense criticism online after the loss.

  • On June 12, 1970, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Dock Ellis threw a no-hitter while high on LSD.
  • Bilder fought at UFC 289 in Vancouver, Canada in June 2026.
  • Bilder returned several months later at a UFC Apex card in October 2024, where he lost again.

The players

Blake Bilder

A former UFC fighter who competed in the promotion from 2022 to 2024. Bilder admitted to taking a large dose of LSD before a fight at UFC 289 in 2026, leading to a loss and his decision to get sober.

Kyle Nelson

Bilder's opponent at UFC 289, who defeated him via unanimous decision while Bilder was under the influence of LSD.

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What they’re saying

“I took LSD before the fight, a bunch of LSD. I snuck it over the Canadian border, and then I took some the day of, right before I left to go to the show.”

— Blake Bilder, Former UFC Fighter (Rise Above with Kevin Lanning podcast)

“And then I lost and everybody was talking s--t on the internet. 'F--king dumbass! Clown!' Laughing about my little brother's suicide. Like, bro, like like the most brutal shit you could ever experience, bro. It was crazy the way people talk to me. This is when I get sober. So my last use was that UFC fight.”

— Blake Bilder, Former UFC Fighter (Rise Above with Kevin Lanning podcast)

What’s next

Bilder has not competed in the UFC since his loss in October 2024, but the promotion has not officially released him from his contract.

The takeaway

Bilder's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of competing in professional sports while under the influence of drugs. His actions not only put his own health and safety at risk, but also that of his opponent. The intense public backlash he faced after the loss highlights the need for greater awareness and support around substance abuse issues in the sports world.