Cavalcante choking Kyle (photo via Esther Lin / Showtime)

Former Champion Appealing Decision

By FCF Staff

Following the recent announcement that Rafael Cavalcante has been suspended by the California State Athletic Commission for one year due to allegedly failing a drug test, the organization has confirmed with Full Contact Fighter that the banned substance responsible was stanozolol metabolities.

In addition, Cavalcante’s recent, May 19th win over Mike Kyle has been overturned and changed to a no-contest result.

The former Strikeforce light-heavyweight champ will appeal the CSAC decision.

Stanozolol is a synthetic anabolic steroid which is prohibited by various sports organizations.

At the recent “Barnett vs. Cormier” Strikeforce event, Cavalcante caught Kyle with a knee to the head shortly into the bout and finished the fight off with a guillotine choke. In June, 2009, Kyle stopped Cavalcante in the second round at Strikeforce’s “Lawler vs. Shields” card.

With the victory now overturned, Cavalcante is 3-1 with 1 NC in his last five fights.