Earlier today (Fri., Jan. 6, 2012), the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) issued a press release that stated Cristiane Santos had tested positive for anabolic steroids following her victory over Hiroko Yamanaka on Dec. 16 in San Diego, California.
As a condition of her punishment, "Cyborg," who is the current Strikeforce women's featherweight champion, was fined $2,500 and suspended for one year. She was also stripped of her title, though that was a decision that came down from Zuffa.
Now, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker has released a statement (via Strikeforce.com) that plays it right down the middle:
"STRIKEFORCE has not seen the test results regarding Ms. Santos. However, we have a consistent and strong stance against any use of performance-enhancing drugs. We also have a long history of supporting effective drug testing of athletes by authorized regulatory bodies. Therefore, we will closely monitor the matter and will work with the California State Athletic Commission regarding any information we may be asked to provide. We also recognize that Ms. Santos has administrative process rights under California law and we hope that she is not prejudged before she has the opportunity to exercise such rights."
Indeed, Santos has the right to appeal if she so chooses. She has yet to release a statement and has not commented on her having failed her drug test.
"Cyborg" has run through her competition under the Strikeforce banner since making her way over in 2009, with wins over notable women like Gina Carano and Marloes Coenen. Those victories, even if she was clean at the time, will now forever be tainted in the eyes of the public.
For now, Strikeforce is staying neutral. That could change in a hurry and the state of the 145-pound division is undoubtedly in peril, as evidenced by UFC President Dana White telling ESPN that Santos getting popped "pretty much kills" the division.
Stay tuned, Maniacs.