Nakamura Decision Delayed; Baroni's Suspension Reduced

Kazuhiro NakamuraOn Wednesday the California State Athletic Commission issued Kazuhiro Nakamura, a Japanese fighter who tested positive for marijuana after his UFC 76 bout with Lyoto Machida, an extension after the fighter was a no-show for his scheduled hearing.

Nakamura is appealing a three-month suspension and $500 fine that were handed down after the failed test.

Nakamura, a former PRIDE fighter who made his octagon debut at UFC 76, suffered a unanimous-decision loss in his main-card bout.

Additionally, Phil Baroni, who tested positive for anabolic agents after his June 22 Strikeforce main event, had his suspension reduced to six months by the California State Athletic Commission.

The commission voted to reduce the suspension by a 3-2 vote at Wednesday’s hearing.

Baroni had tested positive for Stanozolol Metabolite and Boldenone Metabolite. He was initially suspended one year and fined $2,500.

Baroni suffered a second-round TKO (via rear-naked choke) to Frank Shamrock at the June 22 event. It was his third loss in his past six fights.

The CSAC also issued a continuance for Adam Smith, a fighter from the Sept. 29 Strikeforce show who tested positive for marijuana, cocaine and anabolic agents.Â  He was the first fighter in California history to test positive for drugs of abuse and anabolic agents in the same event.


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