The fame brought by Gina Carano and Cyborg Santos to the Strikeforce women’s featherweight division will be missed by most MMA fans. After Gina Carano left, Cristiane Justino “Cyborg” Santos is also leaving the promotion outfit for at least a year because of her suspension due to steroids. UFC president Dana White recently told the media that the suspension of Cyborg will affect the promotion of the 145 Women’s division. “We were going to hold that division and just do fights with Cyborg whenever there was a new contender. She’s getting stripped of the title. This pretty much kills the division,” White told ESPN.

Cause of Cyborg’s Suspension

The last fight of Cyborg Santos was with Hiroko Yamanaka last December 17 at the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego. The short live match, which only lasted for about 16 seconds in the first round, made Cyborg as the most dangerous MMA fighter in the world. She always dominates the ring with her wild and aggressive fighting style. But her fame is now tainted with the use of steroids.

The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) recently confirmed the positive steroid test of Cyborg Santos. Her pre-fight drug test, which was sent to the WADA accredited laboratory in UCLA, returned positive for the steroid stanozolol. This steroid is more popular as Winstrol in the market.

Some MMA sportswriters were not surprised with the failed test because Cyborg had a problem of getting into her weight class in previous fights. Winstrol is taken by most athletes to lose weight and at the same time help in the increase of strength and stamina. Injectable Winstrol stays in the system of the user for at least 2 months while the oral dose will be out of the system in just about 3 weeks.

Though Cyborg contends that she did not took stanozolol, it is hard to believe her argument. The MMA fighter told the media that it was due to a dietary supplement that she was taking that caused the positive test.

1 Year Suspension for Cyborg, No Contest Ruled

The CSAC handed down a 1-year suspension on Cyborg Santos. The Strikeforce women featherweight title was also declared vacant as her fight against the Japanese Hiroko Yamanaka was proclaimed as “no contest.” Aside from the suspension, which was made retroactive to Dec 16, Cyborg will be required to pay a fine of $2,500.

The commission will continue to impose sanctions and will not tolerate doping athletes. In a press release, the CSAC said that their primary concern if the health and safety of the fighters. “Anabolic agents and other banned substances put not only the users of those agents at risk, but their opponents as well. The commission simply will not tolerate their use,” said CSAC Executive Officer George Dodd.

Now that the best fighters in Women MMA are gone, some MMA writers are asking if Strikeforce can still get a huge following for the remaining women fighters in their stable. Some of the fights that are being promoted for the 2012 include Miesha Tate vs. Ronda Rousey and Alexis Davis vs. Sarah Kaufman. These women fighters will have to give their best to make women mixed martial arts an interesting sports to watch.

Others are also optimistic that Cris Cyborg Santos will be able to comeback after her suspension just like those in the men’s division who were able to return in the Octagon after serving suspension for steroid use.

The UFC 125 fight last year was considered as one of the most unforgettable fight in the UFC history. It was highlighted by no other than the best fighters in the UFC. The title fight was contested between defending lightweight champion Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard.

Other fighters who also made impressive performance during the event were Brian Stann by defeating Chris Leben, Clay Guida by defeating Takanori Gomi, and Thiago Silva by defeating Brandon Vera. In fact, UFC 125 is considered by MMATorch columnist Rich Hansen as one of the Top 11 UFC Events in 2011.

Submitted Fake Urine Sample to Hide Steroid Use

But UFC 125 was not spared from the issues of performance enhancing drugs. After Thiago Silva’s best performance in his MMA career, he was busted for using steroids. The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) found out in the pre-fight screening that Silva submitted an adulterated urine sample. According to the NSAC, the sample contained a substance that was “inconsistent with human urine.” This prompted the commission to send the B sample for confirmatory test at a testing laboratory accredited by WADA. The result was the same.

At a hearing, Thiago Silva admitted that he did it on purpose to hide his use of steroids. Silva is the second fighter in mixed martial arts who attempted to conceal the use of prescription medications. He then told the NSAC panel that he knew the steroid injections were in direct violation of the commission’s anti-doping policy. “I just want to apologize for what I did. I did what I did because my back was very, very bad a couple months (before the fight),” he said.

A doctor made the injections twice on his back. The pain on his back was caused by three herniated discs so he already turned to prescription medication to avoid withdrawing from the UFC 125 event. He also revealed that he purchased the fake urine sample from the internet two weeks before his fight against Vera.

1-Year Steroid Suspension Ended

Thiago Silva was handed 1 year suspension, revocation of his license and required to pay fine. His fight against Brandon Vera was also held as “no contest.” Although the commission can impose huge fine against the UFC fighter, they considered Silva’s sincerity and honesty. Silva told them that he was so desperate to earn money because he’s broke and his family depends on him. Instead of forfeiting all his winnings, the NSAC only required him to pay a total fine of $33,750. The suspension ended January 2.

Silva Needs to Re-apply for License

Returning to the limelight will not be so easy for the light heavyweight fighter. The NSAC told MMAJunkie that the fighter still needs to re-apply for a license before he can fight in Nevada. He can also re-apply in other state commissions if he will be fighting in their respective jurisdiction.

“He would need to appear on an agenda for licensure,” NSAC executive director Keith Kizer told the MMA site. Part of the requirement is the submission of urine sample which will be tested for steroids and other performance enhancing drugs. If Thiago Silva will be cleared by NSAC, he can now prepare for his comeback in the Octagon.

Alistair Overeem may have done his best to brush off accusations of steroid use but his detractors will never be truly satisfied. Having recently failed to submit a urine sample on time to the Nevada State Athletic Commission has once again stirred nasty rumors regarding his dramatic transformation from a 185 pound 17-year old fighter to a 260 pound heavy weight mixed martial artist.

Steroid rumors continue to linger even though the Dutch giant has never once been popped for anything illegal in pre-fight testing. Overeem developed extremely muscular physical appearance over the years of fighting in mixed martial art. He attributes his rapid growth to excessive weight training and heavy protein-rich horse meat diet. Moving up in weight classes also made a huge impact to continuously develop and improve his body built. Overeem is also in favor for more rigid steroid testing in the UFC.

Holds Many MMA Titles

He made history by being the only fighter in combat sports to hold a world title in both MMA and K-1 kickboxing at the same time. Overeem is the first and only MMA’s Triple Crown Champion, DREAM Heavyweight Champion and Strikeforce’s heavyweight titlist. The 31-year old Overeem has been playing dominant in several mixed martial art fights with his hard earned physique that brought him to his victories.

In spite of this, the one-time light heavyweight champion always seems to get the questions after bulking up to a monstrous size over the last few years.

Though there was never been a concrete evidence to prove that Overeem use anabolic steroids, his upcoming UFC fight with Brock Lesnar is once again bombarded with myriad of questions and allegations with his involvement in using performance enhancing drugs.

The steroid issue was further brought to the limelight when he missed a drug test which was scheduled last November 17. Unfortunately, Overeem returned to his homeland to attend to his sick mother on the same day the commission scheduled a drug test that would ensure that he hasn’t been taking any illegal substances before his fight with Lesnar.

Series of Steroid Tests for Overeem

Overeem explained before the commission, that he already booked the flight two days prior to the notification regarding the drug test. He clarified that there had been a misunderstanding in regard with the poor communication between the NSAC and his assistant. Either way, the commission granted Overeem a temporary license for UFC 141 pending further drug testing with provisions that he must undergo a drug test upon his return to the US plus there will be two more tests that will be randomly given within 6 months after his December 30th fight.

After submitting a urine sample to an NSAC-approved facility in Europe within 72 hours after the meeting the results turned out to be negative, making the UFC 141 the most awaited controversial fight of the season.

Lesnar vs Overeem is On

After so much ado, the showcase of two massively muscled mixed martial artists will pursue at the end of this month. UFC President Dana White announced on Twitter that Overeem is ready to go after being cleared from the drug test.

A fight that will determine the next UFC #1 contender for Junior dos Santos’ newly won title will definitely end this year with a bang. The former UFC Champion Brock Lesnar and Overeem will surely make this match on December 30 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas range higher than the steroid controversies they been into.

But the victory for Overeem in UFC 141doesn’t end there. Provision applies that any failed steroid test scheduled after the fight could result in a decision being overturned and his license being revoked by the NSAC. Indeed, another issue to look after too.

Two separate anti-doping tests conducted by state athletic commissions both returned negative for performance enhancing drugs. This is good news for the MMA since there will no more steroid issues that will be hurting the sport this year. Ending the year with clean fighters is also an indication that mixed martial arts is now becoming a clean sport. Though, many still doubt the effectiveness of the current steroid testing program in this field of sports because promotion companies puts the responsibility on state athletic commissions.

But the recent events could be a proof that fighters are now more focused on the skills rather than the strength that these steroids provides. TUF 14 Finale was held at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas in December 3 while UFC 139 was held at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California last November 19. The fighters in both events were tested for steroids and recreational drugs.

The Ultimate Fighting Finale Ends with Clean Record

TUF 14 Finale’s main event was between coaches Michael Bisping and Jason “Mayhem” Miller. Bisping won the fight via TKO in Round 3. John Dodson was crowned the bantamweight champion, also by TKO, while Diego Brandao got the featherweight championship belt. He defeated Dennis Bermudez via submission.

Fighters in the under card event also returned negative for any banned substances according to Executive Director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, Keith Kizer. Other fighters who were tested include Dennis Bermudez, T.J. Dillashaw, Johnny Bedford, Tony Ferguson, Marcus Brimage, Dustin Pague, Stephen Bass, John Albert, Roland Delorme, Steven Siler, Josh Ferguson, Josh Clopton, Bryan Caraway and Dustin Neace.

Michael Bisping has been promoting clean fights by shunning the use of steroids and other performance enhancing drugs so it is expected that he will be cleared of steroids.

Under the NSAC rules, main card fighters and winners are subjected to steroids tests. Fighters who had previous doping violations are also required to undergo mandatory testing while other fighters are subjected to random steroid testing.

No Failed Steroid Test in UFC 139

The MMAJunkie also reported that the California State Athletic Commission or CSAC disclosed that there was no fighter in the UFC 139 who failed in the steroids and drugs abuse tests. All fighters were clean of performance enhancing drugs. Dan Henderson got the UFC 139 title by defeating Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. Other MMA fighters who were also tested by the CSAC were Wanderlei Silva, Gleison Tibau, Shamar Bailey, Danny Castillo, Cung Le, Urijah Faber, Brian Bowles, Rafael dos Anjos, Ryan Bader and Jason Brilz.

Meanwhile, UFC President Dana White believes Chael Sonnen knows how to promote a fight. Sonnen, who’s been into legal trouble this year and served a suspension for taking testosterone, is again fearless in making statements challenging Anderson Silva. He contends that Silva is afraid to fight him. “I don’t believe Anderson’s hurt. I think he’s ducking me,” Sonnen said in an interview. Sonnen was suspended for taking steroids but he argued that he was under testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and not doping.

If you will ask Dana White of the UFC and heads of other MMA promotions, they will have the same answer. Steroid use is not a major problem in their league and the current anti-doping policies are enough to catch cheating fighters. Well of course, from time to time, they can catch doping fighters but many critics believe that there should be more. Anti-doping agencies even challenged the UFC and other MMA outfits to implement stricter and pro-active anti-doping measures if they want to eradicate steroid use in mixed martial arts.

Is it Really Rampant?

The percentage of steroid users in the MMA is very minimal if we will base it on the number of fighters sanctioned or suspended for steroid use. However, the current testing procedures are considered insufficient. The UFC, for example, depends on the state athletic commissions with regards to steroid testing. Fighters are tested before and after the fight for performance enhancing substances. But the UFC does not conduct random testing of fighters which opens the window for cheating.

Up to 96% of Elite Fighters Are on Steroids

Just recently, a UFC fighter told Ariel Helwani of MMA Hour his perception as to how and why steroid use is rampant in their sport. UFC light heavyweight Krzysztof Soszynski said that majority of the fighters are using steroids. “I would definitely say somewhere in the percentage of 85 percent of guys are definitely using, especially the guys who can afford it are definitely using,” said Soszynski.

He also made a bold estimate on how many of the elite fighters are on PED’s. “I would even go as high as 95 to 96 percent of the top level athletes that are definitely using it. You can clearly see it,” he told Helwani.

Other Fighters Claiming Steroid is a Problem

There were many UFC fighters who made similar allegations but was later forced to retract their statements. Late last year, Nate Diaz said in an interview that he believes steroid use is widespread in the MMA. He added that it is not surprising if the UFC will catch these fighters because most of them take steroids. Heavyweight fighter Cheick Kongo also estimated that at least 50% of MMA fighters are on steroids. But the allegation of Soszynski tops them all.

Soszynski’s Basis

Many would ask why Krzysztof Soszynski made such allegations. Soszynski is currently recuperating from knee injury. His last fight was against Mike Massenzio at UFC 131 last June. He learned during his rehabilitation how easy it is to have access to steroids. “I even had someone talk to me about stem cell injections. You’re looking at stuff like EPO, and at least five or six different counterfeit drugs out there that people are using and they’re not even detectable in the body. It’s just amazing to me how far athletes are willing to go to make their mark in this sport,” he said.

The easy access to steroids and failure of the testing methods to detect these substances encourage fighters to take PED’s. “If you take it the right way and follow the right instructions, you’ll never get caught for it, wouldn’t you take it?” asked Soszynski.

MMA Needs Random Steroid Tests

For Soszynski, the problem of steroids in MMA could be addressed by instituting comprehensive drug testing. He suggests random and out-of-competition tests to effectively catch doping fighters. Fighters take steroids 8 to 10 weeks before the fight. “That’s the time when everybody’s doing their drug abuse and that’s when they’re taking their testosterone and their steroids. That’s when I think fighters should be tested,” Soszynski said.

The heavyweight fighter also said that he is one of the few fighters who are not into steroid thing.

Former UFC middleweight fighter Nate Marquardt was able to get a favorable decision from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission (PSAC) after submitting documents that his testosterone level is on its normal range again. The PSAC recently lifted the suspension of Marquardt which would allow him to fight in any mixed martial arts promotion company. However, it is unfortunate that his best option, the Bellator, can not accommodate him at the moment.

MMA fans were amazed when Dana White terminated him from the UFC after his failure to comply the medical requirements at the Versus 4 event. Nate Marquardt is under testosterone replacement therapy and the athletic commission knows about his condition. However, the commission will only allow him to fight if his testosterone level is at an acceptable range. Though Marquardt was able to defend himself from critics that he did not used steroids secretly, his separation from UFC puts him in limbo now.

Bellator Fighters Wants Marquardt

After the incident, Bellator champions, middleweight Hector Lombard and welterweight Ben Askren, challenged Marquardt to fight them in their respective divisions. When Marquardt admitted that he was under testosterone therapy, Askren made harsh criticism via Twitter. “Marquardt you are a cheater, not once but frequently. Stop cheating, come to bellator and I will crush you,” said Askren.

Not this Time Said Bellator CEO

While many MMA fighters wants to brawl with Marquardt in Bellator, the promotions company told MMA Junkie that Marquardt can’t be accommodated at this time. Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney admitted that they had a discussion on Marquardt’s possible inclusion in the company but the current situation doesn’t fit him. “Nate’s situation was pretty unique. It’s an anomaly for a guy like that to become available, so we had discussions. But it just became pretty clear it wasn’t the right fit,” Rebney said.

For Marquardt to get into the Bellator’s system, he has to undergo qualifying matches. But even if Marquardt agrees to the challenge, the current tournament for the welterweight and the middleweight divisions were already loaded with fighters. The tournaments will start this August. “We’re pretty far down the process. If Nate had been available a few months back, maybe things would be different,” added Rebney.

Marquardt Can Fight Outside US

Now that Marquardt had limited options in the US, he can look for other opportunities outside of the country. He can fight in Canada, Europe, or in Japan. However, he can still wait for Bellator or look for ways to convince White to bring him back again to UFC.

Marquardt Fighting Critics

The former UFC top contender is now facing a different battle. He’s gone fighting critics who lambasted him for using testosterone. The most vocal is B.J Penn who’s against the use of performance enhancing drugs in MMA. The former UFC lightweight and welterweight champion used his twitter to air his comments. A tweet quoted by MMA Mania: “I’ll show up to your gym to fight if you do a drug test every week for 3 months. Winner Keeps the video. Lmk (:” B.J.

Penn also added he will beat Marquardt if the latter will come in natural like what he is doing in his entire career. Marquardt responded with a hit to B.J Penn’s head. “How about I give u my most recent and another one now showing that it’s low and I still mop the floor with your midget head?”

But it’s just unfortunate that the two champions can’t settle this battle inside the Octagon.