Bellator: Alexander Shlemenko suspended & fined after positive test for elevated testosterone

In the newest chapter of the PED Chronicles, Bellator former middleweight champion, Alexander Shlemenko has become the latest athlete to fail a post-fight drug test. The 30-year-old Russian showed elevated levels of testosterone in his screening and has been suspended indefinitely by the California Athletic Commission. His knockout win over Dutch kickboxing favorite, Melvin Manhoef has been overturned to a No Contest, and he's been issued a $2500 fine, as reported by MMA Fighting.

Scott Coker had this to say on the matter;

"We are disappointed to hear about the results of Shlemenko's drug test. As I've stated previously, performance-enhancing drugs have no place in this sport, and Bellator fully supports the commission in enforcing harsh penalties to deter fighters from taking banned substances."

Shlemenko held Bellator's MW belt for almost two years following former champion, Hector Lombard's departure from the organization, but lost the title to Brandon Halsey a little over 6 months ago. Lombard also recently failed a drug screen for designer steroids and is currently serving a suspension of his own.

From that same card, another fighter, Emilio Chavez, also failed his post-fight drug screen. He tested positive for marijuana metabolites. CSAC executive officer, Andy Foster told MMA Fighting that Chavez will serve a 30-day suspension, and will be fined $100 plus the cost of the test.