(This picture is great in retrospect. / Photo via Getty)
Remember when Chael Sonnen failed his random drug test not too long ago (and was removed from UFC 175 and subsequently retired?) Well, he failed the second drug test the Nevada Athletic Commission issued too…and failed it BIG. MMAFighting.com was the first to report the news.
Sonnen failed the second test for human growth hormone (HGH) and recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO). The former is a well-known drug that needs no introduction. The latter is a substance aiding production of red blood cells, which increases a fighter’s vitality and energy. Sonnen also tested positive for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is used to kickstart testosterone production. Perhaps he’ll explain this test failure the same way he explained the last one.
Sonnen failed his first drug test due to testing positive for the banned substances anastrozole and clomiphene. With both drug tests combined, Sonnen had a veritable pharmacy flowing through his veins. Damn.
While MMA can condemn Sonnen all it wants for the recent drug test failure, the fact of the matter is that he retired after he failed the first one, so what can really be done now?
Maybe he’ll be kicked out of his Metamoris 4 match against Andre Galvao? Or maybe Sonnen will get another softball interview on Fox Sports 1 to explain himself? Time will tell. We’ll provide further updates as we get them.
UPDATE:
The UFC has released a statement about Sonnen’s drug test. It reads as follows:
We are made aware that a second random test conducted earlier this month resulted in a positive test for additional banned substances,” Sholler stated at the post-fight press conference. “Chael [Sonnen] will have an opportunity to appear in front of the Nevada State Athletic Commission later this month, and through a statement released to the media, he has pledged to cooperate.
We will support the commission and continue to ensure that all UFC competitors complete on an even playing field free of performance enhancing drugs and banned substances.