STRIKEFORCE’S FEMALE STAR, Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos, has long been an object of suspicion in the world of mixed martial arts.
The dominant fighter in the organisation’s 145-pound weight category, the ease and ruthlessness of the Brazilian’s victories, not to mention her impressive physical conditioning, have encouraged commentators to question the legality of her training regimen.
Last weekend it was announced that the 26-year-old had tested positive for the use of anabolic steroids and been summarily banned from competition by the California State Athletic Commission.
Though Santos has since released a statement suggesting she ingested the steroids erroneously, as part of a weight-loss supplement, the former featherweight champion has opted not to contest the ruling.
“I am ultimately responsible for everything I put in my body, and at the end of the day, there is no excuse for having a prohibited substance in my system… I do not condone the use of any performance-enhancing drugs by myself or any other professional athlete and willingly accept the penalties and fines that have been handed down to me by the California State Athletic Commission and those of the Strikeforce/Zuffa organization.”
In addition to being stripped of her title, the star”s recent 16-second victory over Hiroko Yamanaka has been judged a no contest.
While the precise details of her penalty has yet to be finalised, Santos will likely serve a twelve-month suspension and be issued with a $2,500 fine.
