UFC Issues Statement on Chael Sonnen's Positive Drug Test that Includes HGH and EPO | MMAWeekly.com

It came to light on Saturday that Chael Sonnen, who tested positive for prohibited substances at a May 24 random drug test in Las Vegas, had also tested positive for prohibited substances stemming from a second random test on June 5 in Portland, Ore.

The May 24 test showed that Sonnen tested positive for Anastrozole and Clomifene, both of which can be utilized to help treat men with hypogonadism, which Sonnen claims to have. He also voluntarily admitted to taking Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG).

What he didn’t voluntarily admit to, and what didn’t show up on the May 24 test results, were human growth hormone (hGH) and recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO), both of which he tested positive for on the June 5 test. Both are performance-enhancing substances that are prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency, which is the standard the NAC follows.

The UFC, following Saturday night’s UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Stephens, issued a statement on Sonnen’s second positive test reiterating its support for the NAC and clean sport.

“We are made aware that a second random test conducted earlier this month resulted in a positive test for additional banned substances,” said Dave Sholler, UFC Senior Director of Public Relations. “Chael will have an opportunity to appear in front of the Nevada Athletic Commission next month, and through a statement released to the media, he has pledged to cooperate.

“Our stance remains the same, we support the commission and we will continue to ensure that all UFC competitors compete on an even playing field free of performance enhancing drugs and banned substances.”

Sonnen retired from MMA in the aftermath of the first positive test result, although he has committed to headlining the upcoming Metamoris 4 in a professional grappling match against Andre Galvao.