NSAC approves licenses for Chael Sonnen, Dan Henderson

The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve the applications of two former users of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), Dan Henderson and Chael Sonnen, to fight in their respective upcoming bouts.

Henderson (30-11), who at 43 years old was one of the first fighters to apply for a therapeutic use exemption for TRT in 2007, is expected to challenge undefeated Olympic wrestler Daniel Cormier on May 24 at UFC 173, just two months after he sustained significant damage during a third-round knockout victory over Mauricio Rua at UFC Fight Night 38.

Henderson noted that he had no issues throughout his training camp, which was his first without regular TRT use since his June 2013 battle against Rashad Evans in Winnipeg, Canada.

Sonnen (28-14-1), who initially expressed doubt as to whether he could continue fighting following the NSAC’s ban on TRT, was nonetheless approved to meet fellow TUF Brazil 3 coach Wanderlei Silva on July 5 at UFC 175.

Like Henderson, the 37-year-old noted to commission officials that he is now in full compliance with the NSAC’s rules regarding testosterone use.

Both UFC 173 and UFC 175 are scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, NV, with the former being held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and the latter emanating from the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve the applications of two former users of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), Dan Henderson and Chael Sonnen, to fight in their respective upcoming bouts.

Henderson (30-11), who at 43 years old was one of the first fighters to apply for a therapeutic use exemption for TRT in 2007, is expected to challenge undefeated Olympic wrestler Daniel Cormier on May 24 at UFC 173, just two months after he sustained significant damage during a third-round knockout victory over Mauricio Rua at UFC Fight Night 38.

Henderson noted that he had no issues throughout his training camp, which was his first without regular TRT use since his June 2013 battle against Rashad Evans in Winnipeg, Canada.

Sonnen (28-14-1), who initially expressed doubt as to whether he could continue fighting following the NSAC’s ban on TRT, was nonetheless approved to meet fellow TUF Brazil 3 coach Wanderlei Silva on July 5 at UFC 175.

Like Henderson, the 37-year-old noted to commission officials that he is now in full compliance with the NSAC’s rules regarding testosterone use.

Both UFC 173 and UFC 175 are scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, NV, with the former being held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and the latter emanating from the Mandalay Bay Events Center.