Former Bellator middleweight champion Alexander Shlemenko failed his Bellator 133 post fight drug test in February and was indefinitely suspended by the California State Athletic Commission for multiple violations of rule 303.
California State Athletic Commission Executive Director Andy Foster announced the failed drug test last month and along with the suspension, he also fined him the maximum amount allowed under California state law.
“I have suspended Alexander Shlemenko’s license indefinitely due to a violation of rule 303,” Foster said in a statement to The MMA Report last month. “He is also assessed the statutory maximum fine of $2500.00. Additionally, should he wish to apply for licensure again when his license expires he will need to apply to the full Athletic Commission and be placed on the agenda. The win against Melvin Manhoef will be overturned to a no contest.”
Shlemenko issued a statement on this matter through his management group today that was sent to the media. The former Bellator champion has retained the services of attorney Howard Jacobs to handle this situation with the commission. Jacobs has worked with several fighters in the past and Shlemenko denies that he has used any banned substances.
“Alexander Shlemenko denies the use of any banned substances, and looks forward to clearing his name at the next meeting of the California State Athletic Commission with his lawyer Howard Jacobs,” the statement said. “His representatives have requested and are still awaiting the complete laboratory documentation package from the CSAC, given the extremely unusual and questionable findings that have been initially reported. The document request that has been made is consistent with the types of documents that the testing laboratory used in this case routinely provides – without the necessity for such a request in cases involving the United States Anti-Doping Agency.”
“It is impossible for Mr. Shlemenko to properly respond to these charges until he is provided with this basic documentation, and it is hoped that CSAC will not withhold such basic documentation.”
At this time, Shlemenko has not filed an appeal with the California State Athletic Commission. Once an appeal is formally filed with the commission, the substances that Shlemenko tested positive for will become public record.