Houston Alexander won't have to worry about fighting at Shark Fights 14 on March 11 in Lubbock, Texas, anymore.
That's because his light heavyweight opponent, James Irvin, has tested positive for Epitrenbolone, a steroid typically used on livestock to increase appetite and muscle growth, according to a statement released today.
"The Sandman" returned a positive sample of a Dec. 2 test on March 2 under the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) and a retroactive one-year suspension was immediately applied.
He will reportedly appeal said suspension.
Irvin was unable to stop his sinking ship as a UFC employee, getting knocked around by Alessio Sakara and Igor Pokrajac before earning his Zuffa release during a dismal 2010 fight campaign.
Since getting the boot from the world's largest fight promotion, Irvin is 1-1-1, having last competed at "Young Guns 4" under the Gladiator Challenge banner, drawing a No Contest (NC) for an illegal knee to the head of opponent Mike Crisman.
Irvin's positive test stems from a December 2 loss to Jorge Oliveira at Tachi Palace Fights 7: "Deck the Halls" in Lemoore, California.
Shark Fights representatives have yet to issue a statement regarding his upcoming fight in Lubbock.
Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more information on this story as it develops.