Rousimar Palhares’ Pre-Fight Drug Test Comes Back Clean Ahead of WSOF 9 Main Event

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Rousimar Palhares’ pre-fight drug test has come back negative, meaning Saturday’s World Series of Fighting welterweight title headliner will move forward as planned.

WSOF officials recently announced the results of the test, which was conducted by the Nevada Athletic Commission ahead of “Toquinho’s” meeting with Steve Carl at WSOF 9. The event takes place at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and airs live on NBC Sports Network.

Palhares was released by the UFC last year after failing to release a heel hook applied to Mike Pierce at UFC Fight Night 29. Though the 31-second victory stood as called, Palhares was banned from the Octagon by UFC President Dana White and suspended for 120 days by the Brazilian MMA Athletic Commission (CABMMA). In his previous fight, Palhares tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone, earning him a nine-month suspension from the UFC.

Known for his devastating leg locks, Palhares, 34, has earned 12 of his 15 career wins via submission. “Toquinho” will now vie for the WSOF belt against reigning champion Carl, who captured the gold this past October with a fourth-round submission of Josh Burkman.