Chael Sonnen: With TRT going away, 'I may have to stop the sport'

With the apparent elimination of therapeutic-use exemptions for testosterone-replacement therapy in the sport of MMA on the horizon, Chael Sonnen admits his fighting days may be over.

On Wednesday’s new edition of “UFC Tonight,” Sonnen said if he can’t find a suitable way to help elevate his lagging testosterone to a normal level, he may not be able to continue competing in the octagon.

“If it doesn’t work, I may have to stop the sport,” Sonnen said. “It’s as simple as that.”

Sonnen’s comments were part of a discussion on the Nevada State Athletic Commission’s recent decision to ban TRT in the state. Afterward, the UFC followed suit and said it will take a similar position on all the international events it oversees when a governing body isn’t present.

Sonnen, who has previously been granted a TUE for his own testosterone use, said he and is team are still educating themselves on the new process and any potential alternatives. Until one can be found, Sonnen said his days in the cage could be quickly drawing to a close.

“The problem is, it’s a little bit early,” Sonnen said. “I don’t know myself. I know I have to sit down with my team, not only my management, and understand the rules, but we also have to then talk with doctors and figure out your health. An athlete should not have to choose  between sport or health. It should be a combination of both.”

UFC officials have said they will recommend other state athletic commissions follow Nevada’s lead, though monitored TRT currently remains legal in numerous jurisdictions.

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