Rafael ‘Feijao’ Cavalcante Suspended for Failed Drug Test
Posted 17 June MMA Weekly
Strikeforce light heavyweight title contender Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante has reportedly tested positive for a banned substance following his victory over Mike Kyle at Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier last month in San Jose, Calif.
The failed drug was first reported by boxing reporter Gabriel Montoya on Twitter. MMAFighting.com later confirmed it with California State Athletic Commission executive officer George Dodd, who did not identify the banned substance.
Cavalcante has been suspended for one year dating from the time of the fight and fined $2,500.
His manager, Ed Soares, who also did not disclose any details of the test, stands behind his fighter.
“I believe he is innocent,” Soares told MMAWeekly.com.
Cavalcante submitted Mike Kyle just 33 seconds into their fight at the May 19 event at the HP Pavilion. The victory was believed to have catapulted the former Strikeforce champion into a battle with Gegard Mousasi for the vacant Strikeforce light heavyweight title later this year.
MMAWeekly.com was unable to reach Dodd prior to publication.