Strikeforce: Rafael 'Feijao' Cavalcante Suspended One Year For Failed Drug Test

Former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight champion Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante has been suspended for one year by the California State Athletic Commission for testing positive for a banned substance. Cavalcante defeated Mike Kyle by guillotine choke submission at only 33 seconds into the first round.

Ariel Helwani at MMA Fighting reported the story. CSAC executive officer George Dodd confirmed the news but refused to specify the substance found in Cavalcante's drug test. Dodd did add that Cavalcante was fined $2,500. There is no word as to whether or not the fight result will be overturned.

Chiapetta spoke to Cavalcante's manager, Ed Soares, who said they have replied to the CSAC's letter and will be appealing the suspension.

"I believe in his innocence, and we're fighting it," Soares said. "We stand behind him. There's a lot of stuff that doesn't make sense."

Cavalcante joins Strikeforce fighters Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal and Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos in having failed a drug test since the Zuffa acquisition of the promotion. Strikeforce veterans Alistair Overeem and Nick Diaz are both currently serving suspensions after having moved to the UFC and then failed urine tests.

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