UFC: Stephan Bonnar, Dave Herman Admit to Taking Banned Substances

Bonnar tested positive for the anabolic steroid drostanolone, while Herman was flagged for marijuana metabolites after the event, which took place Oct. 13 in Rio de Janeiro. Since Brazil does not have an athletic commission, the UFC acted as its own regulatory body at UFC 153.

“Stephan Bonnar and Dave Herman tested positive for banned substances following their bouts at UFC 153. The UFC has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance-enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents. Both fighters have admitted taking the banned substances and have orally agreed to suspensions,” the statement read. “Once the suspensions have been reduced to written agreements, the results of their tests and the agreed upon suspensions will be sent to the Association of Boxing Commissions official record-keeper so other jurisdictions will be on notice.”

Bonnar lost to reigning middleweight champion Anderson Silva in the UFC 153 headliner. Silva leveled “The American Psycho” with a knee to the solar plexus and finished the 205-pound contest with ground-and-pound 4:40 into the opening frame. “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 1 finalist recently announced his retirement from active competition.

Herman was submitted by Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in the evening’s co-main event, tapping to an armbar 29 seconds into round two. It was the third straight loss inside the Octagon for the Bellator and Sengoku veteran.