Rousimar Palhares' pre-fight drug test negative, 'Toquinho' cleared for WSOF 9 headliner

LAS VEGAS – Brazilian welterweight Rousimar Palhares has passed a pre-fight drug test, and his title fight opposite World Series of Fighting champ Steve Carl is now a go.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission required Palhares to undergo a prefight exam for both steroids and diuretics. The results were revealed today to MMAjunkie by NSAC chair Francisco Aguilar, and Palhares has now been approved for a license for his welterweight title fight, which serves as the headliner of Saturday’s “World Series of Fighting 9: Carl vs. Palhares” event at Las Vegas’ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and airs on NBC Sports Network.

World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo said he was happy to be done with the pre-fight licensing process but never had any real concern.

“Dealing with Rousimar and his team and has been an absolute pleasure,” Sefo told MMAjunkie. “We knew from talking to Rousimar and his trainers that we had nothing to concern ourselves with, but we applaud the NSAC for their continued focus on keeping our sport clean, and now we’re looking forward to hosting an incredible championship fight.”

The 34-year-old Palhares was ordered to uproot his training camp from Brazil to travel stateside for a random pre-fight drug test. After he was suspended for PED use in the past, the NSAC wanted to make sure no foul play was involved in the fight.

Although cutting his training camp short to take the test in “Sin City” was somewhat of an inconvenience, Palhares maintained he was embracing the chance to shake any doubts about his status as a clean fighter.

“I think it’s a good opportunity to prove I’m completely clean,” Palhares recently told MMAjunkie Radio through a translator. “I’m actually happy about that. It takes a whole lot of trouble out of my way. I’m clean – they can test me whenever they want, and nothing’s going to happen.”

For more on WSOF 9, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Rousimar Palhares)