Cyborg's Steroid Suspension Short-Circuits Her Title Reign, Re-Programming Strikeforce's Plans for the Future of Women's MMA

By Raphael Garcia This past Friday, the California State Athletic Commission released the news that Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos has been suspended for 12 months for the use of a banned substance prior to her bout against Hiroko Yamanaka. In addition to the suspension, it has also been reported that Strikeforce has stripped her of her 145-pound title. This story both damages woman’s MMA and makes the announcement of other upcoming fights in Strikeforce's women's divisions more clear. Santos tested positive for the illegal drug Winstrol, which was found in her system due to a drug test that was performed the day before her co-main event fight on the Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal card in December. Along with the yearlong suspension, Santos will have to pay a $2,500 fine. She defeated Yamanaka in 16 seconds, but that bout has been changed to a no decision on both fighters’ records. First, while many may not agree, this is a serious blow for women’s mixed martial arts. Santo...