The Nevada State Athletic Commission on Friday suspended World Extreme Cagefighting featherweight Cole Province for nine months following a positive test for the anabolic steroid Methasterone at WEC 42 “Torres vs. Bowles” in August.

The 28-year-old Province was flagged in wake of his unanimous decision victory against former Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Fredson Paixao. The result of that bout was changed to a no contest by the NSAC, which also fined Province $4,000.

Province will be required to provide a clean test to the commission before being licensed again. He claimed the positive test was the result of a tainted supplement, which he used “on a whim” to help him rehydrate.

“I had no idea it was illegal,” Province said. “I’m by no means claiming I’m innocent and didn’t have it in my system. It’s my fault. I knew it helped build muscle.”

A four-time national champion wrestler at the University of Central Oklahoma, Province made his WEC debut in December, when he dropped a unanimous decision to Diego Nunes. The Oklahoma native had never gone the distance before entering the WEC and won the Masters of the Cage featherweight championship in his second professional bout in 2007.