Chael Sonnen Temporarily Suspended For Failed Drug Test, Future Disciplinary Hearing Looms

Recently retired UFC middleweight Chael Sonnen appeared before the Nevada State Athletic Commission on Tuesday via telephone to answer for the failed drug test that resulted in him being removed from his scheduled UFC 175 match-up against Vitor Belfort.

Sonnen tested positive for two banned substances, Anastrozole and Clomifene, during a random drug test administered by the NSAC when he was in Las Vegas on May 23 for a UFC 175 promotional press conference. Both substances are banned in and out-of-competition. The commission temporarily suspended Sonnen’s license in Nevada pending a full disciplinary hearing to be scheduled after the commission receives his official answer to the complaint.

The 37-year-old former title contender and current FOX Sports analyst did not address the charges on Tuesday, but did acknowledge that he understood the charges and understood that he was suspended.

Anastrozole and Clomifene can both be used to treat the symptoms of hypogonadism, a condition that Sonnen has. Due to the condition, Sonnen had received a therapeutic use exemption for testosterone replacement therapy. However, exemptions for TRT use in combat sports were banned in February.

Sonnen maintains that he was on the substances to safely come off the testosterone replacement regiment. After the test results were made public on June 10, Sonnen announced his retirement from mixed martial arts the following day.

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