Bellator’s Alexander Shlemenko releases statement on steroid ban being reduced

Esther Lin, MMA FightingThe former Bellator middleweight champion released a statement regarding his drug suspension being reduced Thursday night, saying he's looking forward to resuming his career and "regaining" the Bellator belt.

On Wednesday, a court ruled that the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) suspension of Shlemenko should have only been effective until his license expired in February 2016. Shlemenko also had his fine cut to $5,000.

CSAC initially suspended him for three years and fined him $10,000 in June 15 after Shlemenko tested positive for steroids in February 2015. Shlemenko was found to have the substance oxandrolone in his system and had a…