Sonnen fails UFC 117 post fight drug test, Rematch in jeopardy.?

Question

Chael Sonnen, who fell just short of dethroning longtime UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva at this past month's UFC 117 event, failed his post-fight drug screening likely due to performance-enhancing drugs.

That's according to California State Athletic Commission Executive Officer George Dodd, who today confirmed with MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that the failed test was due to a banned performance-enhancer. Sonnen could not immediately be reached for comment.

Sherdog.com first reported the failed test.

According to the report, Dodd did not state which banned substance was detected in the failed screen. An official announcement is likely to come in the next few days.

Sonnen is likely to face a long layoff either in the form of a suspension or if he plans to appeal the findings.

On the heels of an epic trash-talking campaign that generated significant interest in their Aug. 7 bout at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., Sonnen dominated Silva for more than four rounds in the UFC 117 pay-per-view headliner. However, with fewer this two minutes remaining in the fight, a grounded Silva secured a triangle choke and forced a tap-out for the shocking come-from-behind victory.

UFC president Dana White promised an immediate rematch, and the title fight tentatively was planned for early 2011. However, with the failed drug test, a delay or new matchup for Silva likely will be in order.

On the eve of the original meeting, Sonnen caused a bit of stir. During the UFC 117 weigh-ins, he squared off with Silva for the traditional pre-fight photo opportunity, and his back had many apparent lesions (see photo). Although messageboards were abuzz with speculation about potential steroid use, it was unclear what caused the marks, which were also partially visible at UFC 109 (see photo) but essentially nonexistent at UFC 104 (see photo). However, MMAjunkie.com medical consultant and columnist Dr. Johnny Benjamin cautioned that such skin problems could be caused by a variety of issues, and Sonnen passed drug tests at both UFC 104 and UFC 109.

Despite the loss, Sonnen hadn't slowed his big-talking ways. During a recent UFC Fight Club Q&A session prior to UFC Fight Night 22, he said he'd make quick work of welterweight champ Georges St-Pierre, light-heavyweight title-holder Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and even heavyweight kingpin Brock Lesnar.

But any matchups, including the Silva rematch, now appear on hold.

Answer 1

I don't think Sonnen deserves a rematch with Anderson Silva if he took PEDs. But there is something shady going on. There are some conspiracy theories that say CSAC may have it at the UFC by suspending their fighters or that perhaps the CSACs and/ or the UFC knew Sonnen would test positive going into the fighter since Sonnen may have or may not have told them so. I really don't know about this but again there is something shady going on.



Anyways last week have a bunch of interesting conspiracy theories that were brought up that may or may not be true. Here are some of the best ones http://bit.ly/clVALR

Answer 2

It would be terrible for the MMA community if the UFC still rewarded Sonnen with an immediate rematch. He will be suspended for at the very least 6 months. The UFC will give the winner of Belfort vs. Okami the next shot.



When Sonnen comes back he will be just another MW and will have to win a few fights (2-3) without failing another test in order to get another shot.

Answer 3

Sonnen won't have a rematch against Silva. These are just speculations right now pending what he tested positive for. If i were Dana, i would give the next MW title fight to the winner of Belfort and Okami. As far as Sonnen saying he would make quick work of GSP, don't see that happening.

Answer 4

Winner of Belfort Okami should get the next shot, and to add my 2 sense I'm both sad and very glad this happened. I'm sad that someone who put on a brilliant Performance will have it tarnished but using PEDS. I'm also sad that he would be so selfish to be willing to tarnish this sport. I'm glad the UFC is getting bit in the *** for scheduling an immediate rematch when it certainly wasn't warranted, Sonnen lost as decisively as you can lose via submission, he tapped and Belgort had already been promised a shot, although I'm glad he and Okami will fight.

Answer 5

sonnen will be suspended from 9 to 12 months and should not be the number one ranked contender when he returns...

Answer 6

He will never be the same fighter. take the bottle from the baby and all they do is cry.

Answer 7

So, what's the question? All this is is a repost of a story.