Alexander Shlemenko Gets Three-Year Suspension Lifted

Alexander Shlemenko will be able fight in the US sooner than anticipated following a court vistory today. MMA Fighting reports that Shlemenko had his three year suspension and $10,000 fine reduced during a court hearing today, with California Superior Court ruling that the CSAC was only able to suspend the fighter for a postive steroid test last year through his license expiration. That license to fight expired on February 28th.

Shlemenko’s fine was also reduced to $5,000. Shlemenko’s suspension will lift as soon as he pays the fine. Bellator MMA’s spokesperson confirmed that he is still under contract to the company.

Shlemenko’s lawyer argued that the three-year suspension was unfair when the initial notification letter sent to him said that he only faced a one-year suspension. The court agreed that the CSAC was not able to increase the suspension length after the appeal process. Shlemenko denied using PEDs at his initial hearing.