Tag: Nevada

NSAC Attemps to Block Chael Sonnen From Competing at Metamoris 4, Threatens Him With Massive Fines


(Life was so much simpler then.)

Last month, the Nevada State Athletic Commission smacked Chael Sonnen with a two-year suspension after he tested positive for a pharmacy’s worth of unapproved substances, following two separate random drug tests back in May. As Sonnen and PED-apologist Ralek Gracie see it, that suspension shouldn’t stop the American Gangster from headlining a submission-grappling event in California this weekend. But according to the NSAC, it should stop him from competing, and they’re pretty upset about it.

Bleacher Report’s Jeremy Botter broke the news that the NSAC is attempting to prevent Sonnen from competing at Metamoris 4, scheduled for this Saturday, August 9th, in Los Angeles. As Botter wrote:

“Multiple sources confirm NAC has threatened to fine Sonnen $250,000 per failed drug test violation if he competes at Metamoris. Sonnen has hired Vegas lawyer Ross Goodman to represent him in the case…Sonnen camp’s contention is that grappling is not fighting and suspension shouldn’t cover it.”

A follow-up report from MMAJunkie adds more details:


(Life was so much simpler then.)

Last month, the Nevada State Athletic Commission smacked Chael Sonnen with a two-year suspension after he tested positive for a pharmacy’s worth of unapproved substances, following two separate random drug tests back in May. As Sonnen and PED-apologist Ralek Gracie see it, that suspension shouldn’t stop the American Gangster from headlining a submission-grappling event in California this weekend. But according to the NSAC, it should stop him from competing, and they’re pretty upset about it.

Bleacher Report’s Jeremy Botter broke the news that the NSAC is attempting to prevent Sonnen from competing at Metamoris 4, scheduled for this Saturday, August 9th, in Los Angeles. As Botter wrote:

“Multiple sources confirm NAC has threatened to fine Sonnen $250,000 per failed drug test violation if he competes at Metamoris. Sonnen has hired Vegas lawyer Ross Goodman to represent him in the case…Sonnen camp’s contention is that grappling is not fighting and suspension shouldn’t cover it.”

A follow-up report from MMAJunkie adds more details:

A source close to the commission, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, today told MMAjunkie that the commission sent a letter to Sonnen this past week informing him that the grappling match violated the terms of his suspension, which was handed down in July after a disciplinary hearing on multiple failed drug tests at UFC 175.

In turn, Sonnen’s legal rep, Jeff Meyer, sent a response that challenged the NSAC’s definition of competing. At the time of this writing, it appears Sonnen will meet Galvao as scheduled…Although the grappling competition is not sanctioned by a state athletic commission, as it isn’t considered a combat sport in the same way as are boxing and MMA, the NSAC wants Sonnen to withdraw from the event.

The NSAC’s motivations behind this pursuit are obvious, and fairly logical. Even though submission grappling isn’t technically defined as a “combat sport” — which is bizarre, but whatever — the mere sight of Sonnen participating in any athletic competition directly after a suspension makes the Nevada commission look toothless. In other words, the NSAC needs to drop the hammer in order to send a message that their suspensions should be respected.

But how much jurisdiction does Nevada actually have to regulate what goes on in California? That question might only be settled by a long legal dispute. We’ll keep you posted…

Vitor Belfort Breezes Through NSAC Licensing Hearing, Will Face Chris Weidman at UFC 181 in Las Vegas



(Yes, it was broadcast on Fight Pass. No, Rogan and Goldie weren’t calling the action, although that would have been amazing. / Screencap via UFC Fight Pass on Twitter)

In retrospect, we should have known better to expect the Nevada State Athletic Commission to crack down on Vitor Belfort. Too much money was on the line.

Belfort appeared at an NSAC licensing hearing today, in the wake of his positive test for elevated testosterone in February. It was the second time that Belfort has failed a drug test in Nevada, following a steroid bust in 2006. And yet, Belfort cruised through the proceedings, walking away with a conditional license that would keep him sidelined until December and require him to undergo random blood and urine testing at his own expense. The commission’s decision to re-license Belfort was unanimous.

Directly after Belfort’s license was secure, the UFC announced that the Brazilian veteran would fight Chris Weidman in a middleweight title fight at UFC 181, December 6th in Las Vegas.

Belfort was humble and cooperative during today’s hearing, throwing himself at the mercy of the commission, but his version of events were never challenged. Here’s an excerpt from MMAJunkie’s report that suggests how toothless the NSAC’s hearing was:



(Yes, it was broadcast on Fight Pass. No, Rogan and Goldie weren’t calling the action, although that would have been amazing. / Screencap via UFC Fight Pass on Twitter)

In retrospect, we should have known better to expect the Nevada State Athletic Commission to crack down on Vitor Belfort. Too much money was on the line.

Belfort appeared at an NSAC licensing hearing today, in the wake of his positive test for elevated testosterone in February. It was the second time that Belfort has failed a drug test in Nevada, following a steroid bust in 2006. And yet, Belfort cruised through the proceedings, walking away with a conditional license that would keep him sidelined until December and require him to undergo random blood and urine testing at his own expense. The commission’s decision to re-license Belfort was unanimous.

Directly after Belfort’s license was secure, the UFC announced that the Brazilian veteran would fight Chris Weidman in a middleweight title fight at UFC 181, December 6th in Las Vegas.

Belfort was humble and cooperative during today’s hearing, throwing himself at the mercy of the commission, but his version of events were never challenged. Here’s an excerpt from MMAJunkie’s report that suggests how toothless the NSAC’s hearing was:

“I know like the UFC is my authority, you’re my authority,” Belfort said. “I’ll fully collaborate with you”…

The 37-year-old said he received a doctor-administered injection as part of his TRT treatment a day before the failed test on Feb. 7. Belfort said he usually received two injections per week as part of his treatment, but with the trip to Las Vegas, he took one larger dose, his lawyer said.

“I take responsibility for that,” Belfort said.

Although the NSAC’s line of questions was polite, multiple commissioners voiced their concern about Belfort’s past.

“I don’t want to be embarrassed, and I know the commission doesn’t either,” commissioner Anthony Marnell III said.

Perhaps surprisingly, Belfort and the commission didn’t discuss his failed drug test (anabolic steroid) at a 2006 PRIDE event. That event took place in Las Vegas.

In other words, Belfort “admitted” to a one-time lapse of judgement in which he doubled-up on his TRT injections, and wouldn’t you know it, that happened to be the time when he was hit with a random drug test. Just a terrible coincidence, really. But hey, he’s taking responsibility. What a guy! Also, we have a NSAC commissioner suggesting that he doesn’t want to cause embarrassment by bringing up Belfort’s past steroid bust, SO HE DOESN’T BRING IT UP. Jesus Christ, this commission.

Anyway, Belfort vs. Weidman. Damn it. Who ya got?

Chael Sonnen ‘Accepts Responsibility’ for Second Positive Drug Test, Faces Up to $250,000 Fine From NSAC


(And like that…he’s gone.)

Is it quiet in here, or is it just the utter lack of Chael Sonnen soundbites over the last month? We haven’t heard a peep from the American Gangster since he failed a random drug test for unapproved hormone-regulators, and retired on national television. Then, a second test came up positive for HGH and EPO, and things got really awkward. And so, the man best known for never shutting up has been laying low in Oregon, a ghost, a myth, a spook story that gangsters tell their kids at night.

Following Sonnen’s positive test, the Nevada State Athletic Commission released an amended complaint against the former UFC fighter, which lists the potential punishments that are in store for him: a fine of up to $250,000, the suspension of his license, expenses related to the complaint, and the requirement that he provide a clean drug test upon his next licensing application, which will probably never happen because he’s retired, but still, 250 large, good lord. At least he can afford it, considering he was previously “the highest paid fighter in the business.” [citation needed, obviously]

Yesterday, Sonnen’s lawyer Jeff Meyer submitted his client’s formal response to the NSAC, making it clear that Sonnen has accepted his fate:


(And like that…he’s gone.)

Is it quiet in here, or is it just the utter lack of Chael Sonnen soundbites over the last month? We haven’t heard a peep from the American Gangster since he failed a random drug test for unapproved hormone-regulators, and retired on national television. Then, a second test came up positive for HGH and EPO, and things got really awkward. And so, the man best known for never shutting up has been laying low in Oregon, a ghost, a myth, a spook story that gangsters tell their kids at night.

Following Sonnen’s positive test, the Nevada State Athletic Commission released an amended complaint against the former UFC fighter, which lists the potential punishments that are in store for him: a fine of up to $250,000, the suspension of his license, expenses related to the complaint, and the requirement that he provide a clean drug test upon his next licensing application, which will probably never happen because he’s retired, but still, 250 large, good lord. At least he can afford it, considering he was previously “the highest paid fighter in the business.” [citation needed, obviously]

Yesterday, Sonnen’s lawyer Jeff Meyer submitted his client’s formal response to the NSAC, making it clear that Sonnen has accepted his fate:

“Mr. Sonnen does not dispute any of the factual allegations contained in the First Amended Complaint. Mr. Sonnen accepts responsibility for his actions and will comply with the Commission in the prompt resolution of this matter.”

So yes, Sonnen took those PEDs. He’s not going to blame his doctor or his supplements, thankfully. I’d still be interested in hearing why Sonnen thought he could get away with putting four different unapproved substances in his body, while the NSAC was cracking down on doping — but maybe that will be revealed in his memoirs someday. It’s unreasonable to expect a straight answer from this man.

Sonnen’s case will be heard at a NSAC hearing on July 23rd.

New Jersey’s Nick Lembo Responds to Nevada TRT Ban

The Nevada Athletic Commission’s Thursday decision to issue an immediate ban on the usage of testosterone replacement therapy is expected to have wide-ranging effects on the combat sports world. As one of the more prominent athletic commissions in the world, Nevada is often seen as a role model for other state commissions. They set the […]

The Nevada Athletic Commission’s Thursday decision to issue an immediate ban on the usage of testosterone replacement therapy is expected to have wide-ranging effects on the combat sports world. As one of the more prominent athletic commissions in the world, Nevada is often seen as a role model for other state commissions. They set the […]

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Nevada State Athletic Commission Issues Testosterone Replacement Therapy Ban

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Las Vegas — In a move that will have far-reaching effects throughout the combat sports industry, the Nevada State Athletic Commission on Thursday ruled unanimously to ban therapeutic usage exemptions for testosterone replacement therapy. The ban is immediate and applies both to future applications and fighters who have already received exemptions. The ruling was made during […]

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MMA Industry Has Cause to Celebrate as Nevada, UFC Ban Testosterone Therapy

The testosterone replacement therapy era ended swiftly and unexpectedly on Thursday, with all the fireworks of a subdued but unanimous vote by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. As the first state regulatory body to ban TRT outright for combat sports, the NSAC reaffirmed its position as the nation’s most influential and forward-thinking athletic commission. Minutes […]

The testosterone replacement therapy era ended swiftly and unexpectedly on Thursday, with all the fireworks of a subdued but unanimous vote by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. As the first state regulatory body to ban TRT outright for combat sports, the NSAC reaffirmed its position as the nation’s most influential and forward-thinking athletic commission. Minutes […]

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