Chael Sonnen Tests Positive for Steroids Following UFC Title Bout

Added on Sep 20, 2010 by Bill Jackson in

UFC & MMA

A bombshell was dropped on MMA fans this week as the California state athletic commission reported that middleweight title challenger Chael Sonnen tested positive for a steroid following his title fight with champion Anderson Silva at UFC 117. Sonnen had won every round of the fight when he was caught in a Silva triangle choke in the fifth and final round, forcing him to tap. The bout won “fight of the night” honors.

Though the CSAC has not officially stated what exactly was found in Sonnen’s system, the L.A. Times’ Lance Pugmire reported that it was a “natural steroid.” Natural steroids are not altered chemically, and can be bought over the counter as supplements at health food stores.

Sonnen will face a year-long suspension and a $2,500 fine. He will have 30 days to appeal the penalty. The CSAC will release the official information Monday afternoon.

Chael had stated before the bout that he had been suffering from flu like symptoms the week of the fight. Before we all crucify Sonnen for the failed test, keep in mind that there are many over-the-counter flu products that could have produced a false positive. There are some conspiracy theorists that think he faked his flu symptoms in case he did fail the drug test.

Dana White confirmed that the UFC will offer no further punishment than what the commission institutes.