Bellator’s Alexander Shlemenko releases statement on steroid ban being reduced

Alexander Shlemenko has his sights set once again on the Bellator title.

The former Bellator middleweight champion released a statement regarding his drug suspension being reduced Thursday night, saying he’s looking forward to resuming his career and “regaining” the Bellator belt.

On Wednesday, a court ruled that the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) suspension of Shlemenko should have only been effective until his license expired in February 2016. Shlemenko also had his fine cut to $5,000.

CSAC initially suspended him for three years and fined him $10,000 in June 15 after Shlemenko tested positive for steroids in February 2015. Shlemenko was found to have the substance oxandrolone in his system and had a testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio of 50:1, one of the highest ratios ever record in MMA. The sample was taken from a fight night test when Shlemenko fought — and knocked out — Melvin Manhoef at Bellator 133 in Fresno back in February 2015.

Shlemenko, 32, denied and continues to deny taking any performance-enhancing drugs. He remains under Bellator contract, though he fought twice this year …

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