Kirill Sidelnikov tests positive for steroids

The California State Athletic Commission announced on Tuesday that Kirill "Baby Fedor" Sidelnikov has been suspended for one year for testing positive for the steroid Stanozolol. Sidelnikov (5-3), a Red Devil teammate to the world's top heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko, lost his U.S. debut against Paul Buentello at Affliction Day of Reckoning on January 24 in Anaheim, California.

Also used in horse racing, Stanozolol promotes muscle growth and strength increases, usually without excessive weight gain.

If the suspension remains uncontested, Sidelnikov will be eligible to re-apply for licensure in California after Jan. 18, 2010 and will pay a $2,500 fine.

This is most disappointing since Kirill Sidelnikov has been touted as Fedor's protege, and it makes you wonder just how much Fedor knew what was going on. I'm not making any accusations, but you have to wonder if Fedor was aware of Kirill's steroid use or, worse yet, even encouraged it. The two come from the same training camp and work very closely with each other, so you can't help but feel that Kirill is tainting Fedor's name as well. And what's worse is that Kirill still lost despite the steroids. If you're going to cheat, at least make sure you win. It'd be like rigging an election to ensure you come in second place.