Chael Sonnen will not be fighting next month at UFC 175 after failing a drug test given to him by the Nevada Athletic Commission. ESPN first reported the failed drug test, which was confirmed by UFC officials.
Sonnen was originally scheduled to face Wanderlei Silva in a culmination of their rivalry that was featured on The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3 earlier this year. However, Silva was removed from the fight after declining a drug test of his own, resulting in the suspension of his fight license.
UFC officials moved quickly to keep Sonnen on the July 5 card from Las Vegas, signing Vitor Belfort to meet him. UFC president Dana White and Sonnen both appeared on FOX Sports 1 Tuesday night to address the situation, with White placing blame on both the NAC and Sonnen.
Sonnen tested positive for anastrozole and clomiphene. The first is used to treat early stages of breast cancer, while the latter is for female infertility. During the interview on FS1, White stated Sonnen was using the substances to help start a family with his wife and the banning of TRT went into effect.
In 2010, Sonnen was suspended for a year by the California Athletic Commission for failing a drug test due to elevated levels of testosterone. The failed test came after his loss to Anderson Silva for the UFC middleweight title. He appealed the suspension and had it reduced to six months.
