Updated: Chael Sonnen Out Of UFC 175 After Failing NSAC Drug Test, Hear His Response Here
After accusing his former opponent Wanderlei Silva of running from a random Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) drug test prior to UFC 174 last month, it appears that UFC light heavyweight/middleweight Chael Sonnen isn’t exactly practicing what he preaches.
News came this afternoon from ESPN.com that Sonnen flunked a drug test given to him by the NSAC last month while he was in Las Vegas for a UFC 175 press conference. After failing for illegal substances anastrozole and clomiphene, Sonnen will not be taking part in his proposed UFC 175 bout with Vitor Belfort, who was himself awaiting an NSAC licensing hearing on June 17 after replacing Silva.
UFC officials released a brief statement on the subject:
“UFC officials acknowledge irregularities in a recent random test. Chael is planning on addressing the matter this afternoon.”
As a well-known user of testosterone-replacement therapy (TRT), Sonnen was heard saying the following on UFC Tonight after the controversial treatment was banned by the NSAC and UFC earlier this year:
“If [the ban] retires guys, then it retires guys. Rules are rules, and the rules need to be followed.
Personally, sorry to be long winded about this, but I’m going through this myself, where I’ve had to stop testosterone with the hope that we can find a new way to gain the results of upping testosterone to stay at a healthy level. If it doesn’t work, I may have to stop the sport. And it’s as simple as that.”
Yes, rules are rules, but it appears ‘The American Gangster’ wasn’t exactly following them. He allegedly tried to “gain the results of upping testosterone” illegally, and was found with estrogen blockers in his system.
The unfortunate finding makes it seem like Sonnen vs. one of his Brazilian rivals was just destined not to take place this year.
This also isn’t the first time that Sonnen has run afoul of a state athletic commission, as he famously tested positive for highly elevated testosterone levels for his UFC 117 showdown with former middleweight champion Anderson Silva in Oakland, Calif., an indiscretion that earned Sonnen a one-year suspension from the CSAC.
He’s always called himself the ‘Bad Guy,’ but in reality, he’s the man who steps up and takes any fight when his company needs him. In this case, however, the quite opposite is true.
If his bout with Belfort were going to be canceled, many, if not all, would have thought it would because of issues getting ‘The Phenom’ licensed, not Sonnen. More on the developing situation as it arises.
*UPDATE*
After failing the test for Anastrozole and Clomifene, MMA Weekly has reported that Sonnen allegedly admitted to taking Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) as well:
Chael Sonnen Voluntarily Admitted to Taking a 3rd Banned Substance After Initial Test Failure Revealed Two http://t.co/g4Hy5ztz88 @sonnench
— MMAWeekly.com (@MMAWeeklycom) June 10, 2014
Sonnen also appeared on the “Jay Mohr Sports” radio program to discuss his failed drug test. Check out what ‘The American Gangster’ had to say, starting at the 26 minute mark:
The former light heavyweight and middleweight title challenger is ironically set to face the NSAC on June 17, the same day as Belfort.
The Commission is reportedly looking for damages that include a monetary fine; action against his license (suspension or revocation); requiring him to pay the costs of the proceeding, including investigative costs and attorney’s fees; and requiring him to provide a negative urine test for prohibited substances if he files for a license in Nevada in the future.
Photo: Brad Penner for USA TODAY Sports
