Cris Santos speaks out on her recent failed drug test following Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal and points to a dietary supplement as the cause according to mmajunkie.com.

"I would like to sincerely apologize to Strikeforce, the Zuffa organization, Hioko Yamanaka and my fans for my failed drug test," Santos said.

Santos tested positive for stanozolol metabolites which is a banned anabolic steroid in a drug test following her 16 second TKO victory over Hiroko Yamanaka. Her win has been changed to a no contest and UFC president, Dana White, also announced that she would be stripped of her Strikeforce women featherweight title.

However Santos points the blame to the use of a dietary supplement as the cause for the failed drug test. She used this supplement to aid her in weight cutting prior to the Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal event.

"While I was preparing myself for my last fight, I was having a difficult time cutting weight and used a dietary supplement that I was assured was safe and not prohibited from use in sports competition. It was never my intention to obtain an unfair advantage over Hiroko...I train harder than any fighter in MMA and do not need drugs to win in the cage, and I have proven this time and time again!" Santos said.

Santos goes on to say that her only mistake was failing to verify the supplement with a doctor before using it.

Santos is slated to be suspended for a year and has been fined $2,500. She has the option to appeal the ruling but whether or not she would do so is unknown. Her record stands at 10-1 and one no contest.