Press Release

California State Athletic Commission Suspends License of Fighter Rafael Custodio a.k.a. Rafael Feijao Cavalcante

Mixed Martial Arts fighter tested positive for anabolic steroid in May 18, 2012 test

The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) has suspended the license of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Rafael Custodio better known in MMA circles as Rafael Feijao Cavalcante, and has fined him $2,500 as the result of a positive test for a banned substance.

Cavalcante's May 18, 2012 drug test came back positive for stanozolol metabolites. CSAC learned of the test results June 8, 2012 and suspended Cavalcante's license, with the suspension applied retroactively to May 18, 2012. In accordance with Rule 368, the result of his last fight between Mike Klye will be changed to a "No Decision".

"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."

The use of certain substances, including anabolic steroids, is prohibited under the Commission's regulations, and CSAC has among the toughest drug testing standards of any Athletic Commission in the country. It is one of the few commissions that requires urine samples to be taken in the presence of a commission representative prior to a bout.

Cavalcante's provision of a urine sample was observed by a CSAC representative and the sample was sent to the World Anti-doping Agency test facility at the University of California, Los Angeles. Cavalcante has the right to appeal the suspension of his license.

###