Alistair Overeem isn't the only kickboxer who has been in the news lately for his positive test findings.
Light Heavyweight top-contender Luis Tavares has tested positive after his knockout win against Florent Kaouachi at the first edition of GLORY Rivals in May of this year.
The fight has now been ruled a no-contest, with the athlete being suspended for 10 months, starting on June 11 – as reported by vechtsportinfo.nl. He also received an undisclosed fine.
Bad timing for the fighter, as he was supposed to fight for the vacant Light Heavyweight title against Sergej Masloboyev in August, but now has to sit out his suspension.
Another fighter that was caught is Turkish Heavyweight Cihad Kepenek, over his fight against Nordine Mahieddine in August. He also received a fine, on top of a 12-month suspension.
As the event was held in the Netherlands, it was overseen by the Dutch Combat Sports Authority, which implemented new rules when it comes to drug testing earlier this year.
GLORY was not happy with how long athletes were supposed to be suspended and wasn't willing to budge, so they made it public that they are not going back to the Netherlands any time soon.
A short-lived decision, as GLORY came to terms with the agency. Starting in January 2023, GLORY gave the Dutch Doping Authority complete control of the anti doping program in the Netherlands.
Alistair Overeem suspension period has not been revealed yet, but judging by the punishment handed out so far, it's not unlikely that the Dutch combat sports star will return before the end of next year.
