Former champ Cavalcante tests positive for banned substance
Former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Rafael Cavalcante has been suspended one year following a failed drug test.
MMAFighting.com confirmed the news.
Cavalcante was tested by the California State Athletic Commission after competing at “Strikeforce: Heavyweight Grand Prix Final” against Mike Kyle. The Brazilian earned an early first round submission win, which will likely be changed to a no contest after this news.
As of today, CSAC Executive Officer George Dodd has not disclosed what substance led to the failed drug test, but Cavalcante’s corner already has plans to take action. His manager Ed Soares told MMAFighting.com that they will “fight it.” Cavalcante’s appeal would seek to overturn the one-year ban and a $2,500 fine.
Cavalcante’s victory over Kyle gave the light heavyweight redemption, considering Kyle defeated him in the Brazilian’s Strikeforce debut. Since that loss, Cavalcante is 5-1 in the promotion, though the single loss, which came to Dan Henderson, lost him his 205 lb. championship bout.
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