Rousimar Palhares passes random pre-fight drug test ahead of WSOF 9 title fight

Everyone at World Series of Fighting (WSOF) can now breathe a little easier.

That's because top welterweight attraction Rousimar Palhares has passed his surprise drug test ahead of this Saturday night's (March 29, 2014) 170-pound title fight against Steve Carl, which takes place inside The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

MMA Fighting reported the good news on Thursday.

Palhares (15-6) was suspended last year after testing positive for elevated testosterone levels in a lopsided loss to Hector Lombard in Australia. That prompted the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) to ask "Toquinho" to submit a random urine test prior to granting him a license to fight.

He complied -- and passed -- meaning emergency replacement Tyler Stinson is no longer needed.

Saturday night's fight will mark Palhares' WSOF debut after getting bounced from UFC for unsportsmanlike conduct. Needless to say, all eyes will be on the hulking Brazilian if (and perhaps when) he gets his meaty mitts on one of Carl's limbs.

For our complete WSOF 9 preview click here.