NSAC: No TRT permits at 162, Leben first to receive exemption for painkiller sub

The Nevada State Athletic Commission issued no new therapeutic-use exemptions for testosterone replacement therapy at UFC 162 but did give UFC middleweight Chris Leben permission to use the prescription opioid medication Suboxone.

Leben (22-10 MMA, 12-9 UFC), who lost a split decision to Andrew Craig (9-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) at this past Saturday’s event, is the first fighter to receive an exemption for the drug, which typically is used as a replacement therapy for people with narcotic dependency.

NSAC Executive Director Keith Kizer confirmed the news today with MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). Leben was unreachable for comment.

The veteran fighter’s exemption offers proof of his efforts to get clean following a well-documented struggle with drugs. In November 2011, he tested positive for oxycodone and oxymorphone following a loss to Mark Munoz at UFC 138 and was suspended by the UFC for one year. It was the second time the promotion benched him following a positive test for the synthetic anabolic stanozolol in October 2008.

A 2010 charge for driving under the influence also put Leben in the headlines.

As Leben previously told MMAjunkie.com, he attended rehab for an addiction to prescription painkillers and counted 15 months of sobriety. He spoke of turning around his life by moving from Hawaii to Southern California and adopted a health-first diet and training regimen.

Against Craig, Leben hoped to turn his career around following back-to-back losses that jeopardized his place in the UFC.

“I’m a creature of excess – everything in excess and nothing in moderation,” Leben said. “That’s kind of been my motto for life. So this health thing, and this energy I have, I’m getting addicted to that. It’s a complete rebirth.”

Still, Leben, who’s brawling style made him an early fan favorite, appeared to be fighting his years in the octagon at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena. He consistently was outpaced by the younger Craig over three rounds and limped to the final bell after nearly being finished in the final frame.

Three years ago, Leben was the turnaround story of the middleweight division after a trio of wins brought him to the cusp of title contention.

“Well didn’t get the comeback story, but i promise you there will be no relapse story,” he wrote on Twitter after UFC 162. “Gonna stay strong & continue on the path.”

Leben also apologized for losing in a text message to UFC President Dana White, which prompted the executive to write back, “I love ya, kid.” Talking to reporters after the event, White expressed his support for Leben at the same time as he raised doubts about whether the fighter would continue competing in the UFC.

“His fight style isn’t healthy for him, the way that he fights,” White said. “He’s getting up there in age, and the big layoffs don’t help him either.

“I want Leben to get up everyday and be part of society and have to do something, whether it’s training or training other people, no matter what is,” he said. “Chris Leben has the type of personality that can go off the deep very easily in a lot of negative ways. I really care about the kid. I like him a lot. I love him. So I’ve got to figure this thing out.”

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