Former Bellator middleweight champion Alexander Shlemenko has been suspended three years by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) for his failed drug test at Bellator 133 in February.
Shlemenko appealed the failed drug test today during the monthly commission meeting today in Los Angeles and along with the suspension, he has been fined $10,000 for four violations and his win over Melvin Manhoef has been overturned to a no-contest.
During the appeal hearing, Shlemenko was represented by Howard Jacobs and their defense was mainly based on no “B” sample being collected by the CSAC inspectors. Shlemenko would deny taking any performance enhancing drugs and stated under oath he lives a sober life.
Prior to Shlemenko giving his side of the case, Dr. Anthony Butch of the UCLA lab testified on how the sample was tested. He confirmed that there was only a “A” sample and Shlemenko has a T/E ratio of 50-1. The legal limit in the state of California is 4-1. In addition to the elevated T/E ratio, Shlemenko tested positive for the anabolic steroid oxandrolone.
After both sides presented their case, the commissioners discussed the testimony. It was very clear once they started talking that they did not believe the defense of Shlemenko. A motion would end up being place by one of the commissioners and that motion was passed unanimously.
TheMMAReport.com reached out to Bellator for a comment on the suspension of Shlemenko and whether the former champion is still under contract with the promotion. At this time, Bellator has not issued a statement and once they do, that statement will be added to this story.