(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.
Get more details after the jump.
(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?
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.
(Bagautinov apparently tested positive for over four times the legal limit of AWESOME. Photo via Getty.)
While details are scarce at the moment, it would appear as if Dagestani flyweight Ali Bagautinov, who is currently scheduled to challenge Demetrious Johnson for the flyweight title at UFC 174 in June, has been banned from the International Sambo Federation following a positive test for Methylhexaneamine in 2012. Again, how this news was only recently discovered is anyone’s guess, but here’s the gist of it (via a report on MMABoxing.ru translated by Bloody Elbow):
Report on Anti-Doping (Mr. Ali Bagautinov Shamil’evich) In accordance with Art. 14.2.2 Doping provisions FIAS report that athlete Mr. Ali Bagautinov Shamil’evich violated Art. 2.1 Anti-Doping regulations FIAS (presence of a prohibited substance methylhexaneamine in an athlete’s sample). Commission Hearing doping cases FIAS has adopted the following sanctions against the athlete: – 2 years ineligibility from 9 November 2012 to November 8, 2014 – Cancellation of the athlete received during the FIFA World Sambo 2012, which held in Minsk (Belarus), including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes. – Part or all of the financial support that is associated with sports activities, or other related activities, grants ever recieved by an athlete will be withheld and FIAS it’s national federations in accordance with Art. 10.10.3 Doping provisions FIAS
Methylhexaneamine is a banned substance most often found in nasal sprays that has also been marketed as an energy-boosting dietary supplement in recent years. It has been banned by several sports commissions due to safety concerns (having been linked to the deaths of at least 5 people), and was brought into the public eye last year when Toronto Blue Jays prospect Marcus Stroman tested positive for it. Additionally, boxer Brandon Rios was suspended by the China Professional Boxing Association after testing positive for the drug following his loss to Manny Pacquiao in December of 2013.
(Bagautinov apparently tested positive for over four times the legal limit of AWESOME. Photo via Getty.)
While details are scarce at the moment, it would appear as if Dagestani flyweight Ali Bagautinov, who is currently scheduled to challenge Demetrious Johnson for the flyweight title at UFC 174 in June, has been banned from the International Sambo Federation following a positive test for Methylhexaneamine in 2012. Again, how this news was only recently discovered is anyone’s guess, but here’s the gist of it (via a report on MMABoxing.ru translated by Bloody Elbow):
Report on Anti-Doping (Mr. Ali Bagautinov Shamil’evich) In accordance with Art. 14.2.2 Doping provisions FIAS report that athlete Mr. Ali Bagautinov Shamil’evich violated Art. 2.1 Anti-Doping regulations FIAS (presence of a prohibited substance methylhexaneamine in an athlete’s sample). Commission Hearing doping cases FIAS has adopted the following sanctions against the athlete: – 2 years ineligibility from 9 November 2012 to November 8, 2014 – Cancellation of the athlete received during the FIFA World Sambo 2012, which held in Minsk (Belarus), including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes. – Part or all of the financial support that is associated with sports activities, or other related activities, grants ever recieved by an athlete will be withheld and FIAS it’s national federations in accordance with Art. 10.10.3 Doping provisions FIAS
Methylhexaneamine is a banned substance most often found in nasal sprays that has also been marketed as an energy-boosting dietary supplement in recent years. It has been banned by several sports commissions due to safety concerns (having been linked to the deaths of at least 5 people), and was brought into the public eye last year when Toronto Blue Jays prospect Marcus Stroman tested positive for it. Additionally, boxer Brandon Rios was suspended by the China Professional Boxing Association after testing positive for the drug following his loss to Manny Pacquiao in December of 2013.
When asked about Bagautinov’s situation at the UFC 173 media scrum yesterday, Dana White declined to comment, stating only that it “wasn’t important.” Let’s hope this doesn’t affect Bagautinov’s upcoming title shot against Johnson, because the last thing that garbage-ass card needs is a cancelled main event. In any case, keep an eye out for how jacked-up Bagautinov looks against Johnson come June 14th, because I hear that nasal spray is powerful stuff…
(Dennis Siver celebrates healthy testicles. / Photo via Getty)
Dennis Siver has failed his UFC 168 drug test. The Russian-German fighter tested positive for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). For those not in the know, the drug is typically used post-steroid cycle. Its purpose is to restore the size of the testicles and kickstart testosterone production.
(Dennis Siver celebrates healthy testicles. / Photo via Getty)
Dennis Siver has failed his UFC 168 drug test. The Russian-German fighter tested positive for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). For those not in the know, the drug is typically used post-steroid cycle. Its purpose is to restore the size of the testicles and kickstart testosterone production.
A suspension and fine are almost definitely on their way for Siver, whose UFC 168 win over Manny Gamburyan will probably become a no contest as well.
This is an unfortunate development for the UFC, as Siver is one of their top European fighters and the company’s international efforts are more important than ever before. The tarnishing of Siver’s reputation and losing him for any length of time will be a detriment.
MMA Junkie obtained the information from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services recently. According to Junkie, both fighters were not available for comment but Rothwell’s opponent Brandon Vera was.
“The Truth” was not amused. “It won’t help,” he said of Rothwell’s TRT use.
As states like Nevada and New Jersey go, so usually do the rest of the United States. Belfort has fought three out of his last four fights in Brazil with the other taking place in Canada. But hey, Brazil has a regulatory commission, right? They surely do: The Brazilian MMA Athletic Commission (CABMMA).
The doctor who serves as medical director for that commission, Marcio Tannure, recently told MMAFighting.com that “Henderson needs to send him the exams to prove his medical conditions (hypogonadism) to apply for a TRT use, and they will analyze the request,” and that Belfort has blood tested before and after fights to ensure that “his levels are good.” Usually, fighters with TUEs for TRT still have to maintain “normal” testosterone levels.
In the Southern hemisphere, the national Brazilian star Belfort is the one in good standing, his prior failed drug test not being a deterrent to CABMMA in granting him a TUE whereas Henderson, who is allowed his TUE in the states, is the one who appears to face more of a hurdle. Coincidence, I’m sure.
However, don’t expect either Belfort or Henderson to be denied TUEs for TRT because, well, CABMMA’s drug testing isn’t considered to be quite as legitimate by international standards any more. BloodyElbow has the info:
(Doughy, smooth IFL Ben and lean, hairy UFC Ben. Man, that acai berry stuff really works wonders.)
MMA Junkie obtained the information from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services recently. According to Junkie, both fighters were not available for comment but Rothwell’s opponent Brandon Vera was.
“The Truth” was not amused. “It won’t help,” he said of Rothwell’s TRT use.
As states like Nevada and New Jersey go, so usually do the rest of the United States. Belfort has fought three out of his last four fights in Brazil with the other taking place in Canada. But hey, Brazil has a regulatory commission, right? They surely do: The Brazilian MMA Athletic Commission (CABMMA).
The doctor who serves as medical director for that commission, Marcio Tannure, recently told MMAFighting.com that “Henderson needs to send him the exams to prove his medical conditions (hypogonadism) to apply for a TRT use, and they will analyze the request,” and that Belfort has blood tested before and after fights to ensure that “his levels are good.” Usually, fighters with TUEs for TRT still have to maintain “normal” testosterone levels.
In the Southern hemisphere, the national Brazilian star Belfort is the one in good standing, his prior failed drug test not being a deterrent to CABMMA in granting him a TUE whereas Henderson, who is allowed his TUE in the states, is the one who appears to face more of a hurdle. Coincidence, I’m sure.
However, don’t expect either Belfort or Henderson to be denied TUEs for TRT because, well, CABMMA’s drug testing isn’t considered to be quite as legitimate by international standards any more. BloodyElbow has the info:
“Brazil’s only WADA accredited testing facility (and thus, only truly legitimate anti-doping testing location) [was] suspended by WADA earlier this month. WADA’s release on the situation said ‘WADA has suspended the accreditation of the LAB DOP – LADETEC / IQ – UFRJ Doping Control Laboratory (LADETEC) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The suspension, which is effective as of August 8, 2013, prohibits the LADETEC from carrying out any WADA-related anti-doping activities.’
“WADA stated that the lab did not meet the International Standard for Laboratories and could face full revocation of their accreditation.”
We’re not saying that either Belfort or Henderson will use TRT in ways that will result in their having higher-than-normal testosterone levels, we’re just saying that, at this point, we should all recognize the fact that there will be no one credible ensuring that they don’t when they fight November 9th. Well, at least neither fighter will be able to use the excuse of not being 100% for the bout.
In case you missed it, nation, not all UFC 160 fighters passed their post-fight drug tests. Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) Executive Director Keith Kizer let us know yesterday that former champion Brian Bowles has some ‘splaining to do.
Regarding UFC 160, Kizer wrote in an email that “All athletes tested. All results negative, except Brian Bowles tested positive for an elevated T/E ratio (> 20). A complaint will be forthcoming.”
First off, let’s just highlight the fact that Kizer said that all fighters on the UFC 160 card were tested. Used to be that only a select few were ever tested following bouts, you might remember. For some time now, however, the NSAC has been testing all fighters on a given card. Ain’t no Canadian loopholes in Nevada, we suppose.
Back to Bowles – The failed test is just an extra bummer for him. He returned to action for the first time since 2011 at UFC 160 and lost via TKO to George Roop. No one seems to really be able to truly explain the precise significance of what elevated testosterone to epitestosterone ratios mean, but we do know that athletes can sure get in trouble for having them.
A complaint from the NSAC will soon be filed against Bowles and his license to fight is presumably temporarily suspended until he has a hearing before the regulatory body to explain himself and the test results. At that point, the commission could decide to do any number of things with Bowles from reinstating his license immediately to suspending him for a specific period of time and fining him a portion of his UFC 160 purse.
Bowles has now lost two in a row. Thus far, he hasn’t appeared to comment publicly on the test results. We’ll keep you posted as more news develops.
In case you missed it, nation, not all UFC 160 fighters passed their post-fight drug tests. Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) Executive Director Keith Kizer let us know yesterday that former champion Brian Bowles has some ‘splaining to do.
Regarding UFC 160, Kizer wrote in an email that “All athletes tested. All results negative, except Brian Bowles tested positive for an elevated T/E ratio (> 20). A complaint will be forthcoming.”
First off, let’s just highlight the fact that Kizer said that all fighters on the UFC 160 card were tested. Used to be that only a select few were ever tested following bouts, you might remember. For some time now, however, the NSAC has been testing all fighters on a given card. Ain’t no Canadian loopholes in Nevada, we suppose.
Back to Bowles – The failed test is just an extra bummer for him. He returned to action for the first time since 2011 at UFC 160 and lost via TKO to George Roop. No one seems to really be able to truly explain the precise significance of what elevated testosterone to epitestosterone ratios mean, but we do know that athletes can sure get in trouble for having them.
A complaint from the NSAC will soon be filed against Bowles and his license to fight is presumably temporarily suspended until he has a hearing before the regulatory body to explain himself and the test results. At that point, the commission could decide to do any number of things with Bowles from reinstating his license immediately to suspending him for a specific period of time and fining him a portion of his UFC 160 purse.
Bowles has now lost two in a row. Thus far, he hasn’t appeared to comment publicly on the test results. We’ll keep you posted as more news develops.
(We’ll reserve judgment until we hear what Mo has to say about the allegations.)
According to a report by MMAMania, former Strikeforce light heavyweight champ Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal has tested positive for the anabolic steroid drostanalone, a popular weight-cutting aid used by bodybuilders that has also been proven to speed the healing of certain cartilage and soft tissue injuries. Other fighters who have tested positive for the drug in the past include Bill Mahood, Dennis Hallman and Hermes Franca — all of whom admitted to using it for its recovery properties after sustaining serious training injuries.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission allegedly found traces of the drug during his post-Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Jardine fight drug screening after the results came back today.
(We’ll reserve judgment until we hear what Mo has to say about the allegations.)
According to a report by MMAMania, former Strikeforce light heavyweight champ Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal has tested positive for the anabolic steroid drostanalone, a popular weight-cutting aid used by bodybuilders that has also been proven to speed the healing of certain cartilage and soft tissue injuries. Other fighters who have tested positive for the drug in the past include Bill Mahood, Dennis Hallman and Hermes Franca — all of whom admitted to using it for its recovery properties after sustaining serious training injuries.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission allegedly found traces of the drug during his post-Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Jardine fight drug screening after the results came back today.
Mo’s manager Mike Kogan says that Lawal denies ever using the drug and he claims that he doesn’t even know what drostanalone is. In his defense, the drug — or variations of it under its other name “masteron” have been found in tainted supplements in the past, but considering he has been rehabbing a knee injury that required surgery, it doesn’t look good for him that the drug he got popped for is a healing agent.
In totally related news, Zuffa announced via email soon after the news broke today about Lawal that it has adopted a new pre-contract drug screening policy that will see it administer tests before the company will sign a fighter to a new deal.
CEO and chairmen Lorenzo Fertitta says that the policy proves that both the UFC and Strikeforce are taking a hardline stance when it comes to PED use.
“We’re committed to the health and safety of our athletes and we take it very seriously. We already work closely with athletic commissions to protect our athletes and now we’re taking it one step further,” UFC Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta said. “We’re going to test any potential UFC or STRIKEFORCE fighter before finalizing their contract. This shows that we don’t want performance-enhancing drugs in our sport.”
UFC president Dana White echoed Ferttita’s thoughts on the matter, and says that they are doing their best to level the playing field amongst its athletes.
“The health and safety of our athletes is our top priority,” UFC President Dana White said. “We’ve seen the issues performance-enhancing drugs have caused in other sports and we’re going to do everything we can to keep them out of the UFC and STRIKEFORCE. Our athletes are already held to the highest testing standards in all sports by athletic commissions. Our new testing policy for performance-enhancing drugs only further shows how important it is to us to have our athletes competing on a level playing field.”
Should professional athletes be subject to more stringent Olympic-style drug testing when there is money involved in the sports they compete in?
