Bellator’s Mike Richman Tests Positive For PED’s; Faces Two Year Suspension
Bellator’s Mike Richman Tests Positive For PED’s; Faces Two Year Suspension
Mike Richman missed weight by a significant amount in his fight against Eduardo Dantas in the co-main event of Bellator 137. The event took place on May 15 in Temecula, California, and Bellator officials confirmed that Richman (18-6) tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug.
With the new (and much harsher) discipline for drug violations, Richman now faces a two-year suspension and a maximum $2,500 fine.
Richman came into the weigh-ins tipping the scale at 139, three pounds over the 135-pound bantamweight cutoff (technically, he would have been allowed to come in at 136). Dantas and his camp would agree to still face Richman albeit the missed weight, and Dantas would end up winning the fight via unanimous decision.
Since Richman lost the fight, it will not be overturned.
Fernando Gonzalez (24-13) also had positive test results come back from his Bellator 137 fight. Gonzalez tested positive for marijuana in his system, and faces a $1,500 fine for his second offense.
The California State Athletic Commission has not officially announce a suspension as of yet however, Bellator President Scott Coker said, “Andy Foster of the California State Athletic Commission has notified us of two positive tests following Bellator 137, Mike Richman for PED’s and Fernando Gonzalez for Marijuana. We’ve been informed that these fighters will be subject to suspensions and a fines. We here at Bellator stand behind the commission 100-percent in this process and remain committed to keeping MMA clean of substance abuse.”
