Cris 'Cyborg' Santos Tests Positive For Steroids, Suspended By CSAC

Longtime Strikeforce women's featherweight champion Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos has been suspended by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) due to a failed drug test following her December 17th title defense against Hiroko Yamanaka.

According to CSAC officials, Santos tested positive for the banned substance stanozolol. She has been suspended retroactive to December 16, 2011 and fined $2,500. In addition, her victory over Yamanaka will be reversed to a "no decision."

News of the failed test was released late Friday afternoon.

"Our primary concern is for the health and safety of fighters," said CSAC Executive Officer George Dodd. "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."

Santos (10-1, 1 NC), widely regarded as the top pound-for-pound female fighter in the world, initially earned her eleventh consecutive win at Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal after an 18-month layoff. In classic "Cyborg" fashion, the 26-year-old ended Yamanaka's night swiftly and brutally, tagging her with a crushing right hook before putting any doubt to rest in just 16 seconds.

According to CSAC reports, the champion earned $66,000 for her work.

Santos's urine sample was issued on December 16th, 2011 and observed by a CSAC representative. The sample was sent to the World Anti-doping Agency test facility at UCLA. Santos has the right to appeal the suspension of her license.