Kimbo Slice, Texas commission reach settlement on Bellator 149 drug-test failure

Kimbo Slice has reached a settlement with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation on his Bellator 149 drug test.

Slice, who tested positive for the anabolic steroid nandrolone and an elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone level following his TKO victory over Dhafir Harris, a.k.a. Dada 5000, at Bellator 149 in Houston, will pay the commission a $2,500 fine and have his fight license in Texas revoked. MMAFighting.com confirmed an initial report by MMAJunkie.com.

Slice is scheduled to fight James Thompson at Bellator 158 in London on July 16 in a rematch of their infamous 2008 Elite XC battle in Newark on the first-ever MMA card broadcast live on U.S. network television, which Slice won via third-round TKO.

Because the Slice-Thompson bout is not taking place under the purview of the Association of Boxing Commissions, which oversees state and provincial combat sports commissions in North America, Slice's Texas revocation will not affect the bout at O2 Arena. The U.K. event will be overseen by the International Sport Karate Association.

However, the 42-year-old Slice could still run into complications if he tries to fight again in North America. Although there have been exceptions, reputable commissions by and large honor suspensions and license revocations from other jurisdictions, which would make it difficult to get Slice to get licensed in another state or province.

PED suspensions in Texas are far less severe than in the most of the rest of North America, with a 90-day suspension and a fine of up to $5,000 for a first-time offender. As part of the settlement agreement, Slice waived his right to a hearing before the board.