UFC releases Riki Fukuda, suspends Alex Caceres following failed drug tests

The UFC has released middleweight Riki Fukuda (19-7 MMA, 2-3 UFC) and suspended bantamweight Alex Caceres (8-5 MMA, 2-3 UFC) after both fighters failed drug tests earlier this month at UFC on FUEL TV 8.

UFC officials today announced the failed tests.

Fukuda tested positive for banned stimulants (phenylpropanolamine, norpseudoephedrine and ephedrine), and Caceres was flagged for marijuana metabolites.

UFC on FUEL TV 8 took place March 3 at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. With the lack of a regulating body in place, UFC officials oversaw the drug testing at FUEL TV-televised event.

Fukuda has been released from the organization. Caceres has been suspended six months, will attend drug rehabilitation classes, and needs to pass a drug test before he’s allowed to continue.

Caceres’ win at the event has been changed to a no-contest. Fukuda’s loss will stand.

A Japanese import who trains at California’s American Kickboxing Academy, Fukuda made his UFC debut in February 2011 on the strength of a seven-fight winning streak, though he lost a decision to Nick Ring at UFC 127. Fukuda would go on to alterante wins and losses throughout his five-fight UFC run. He posted wins over Tom DeBlass and Steve Cantwell and suffered losses to Tavares, Costa Philippou and Ring.

On Tuesday, Fukuda took to Twitter and announced the organization had released him.

Caceres, meanwhile, earned a split-decision win over Kyung Ho Kang at the event. It marked the third straight win for “The Ultimate Fighter 12? cast member, who quickly earned a following, thanks in part to his “Bruce Leeroy” persona. However, the latest victory will now be recorded as a no-contest.

Fukuda joins a growing list of fighters who have failed post-fight drug tests in recent months. Matt Riddle, Thiago Tavares, Rousimar Palhares, Joey Beltran, Thiago Silva, Stephan Bonnar, Dave Herman, Jake Shields and, most recently, Lavar Johnson, have all had issues after recent appearances.

For complete coverage of UFC on FUEL TV 8, stay tuned to the UFC Events section of the site.

(Pictured: Alex Caceres)