UFC 175 Fight Card: Chael Sonnen Using PEDs? Won't Fight Belfort After Positive Test

After bashing Wanderlei "The Executioner" Silva for literally running away from a random drug test, Chael Sonnen himself tested positive and will not be fighting Vitor Belfort at UFC 175 on July 5.

In a report by ESPN, the Nevada State Athletic Commission conducted a random drug test on Sonnen in May 2014. He was found positive for clomiphene and anastrozole. Previously, he was allowed to do testosterone-replacement therapy after being diagnosed with hypogonadism in 2008. Francisco Aguilar, chairman of the NSAC confirmed the results of the drug test. Sonnen, however, had to stop the therapy after the NSAC banned the substance in February 2014. He had to look for other ways to increase his naturally dropping testosterone levels or be forced to end his career.

Bleacher Report writes that Sonnen commented on the new rules of banning TRT. He said, "If it retires guys, then it retires guys. Rules are rules and the rules need to be followed. I've had to stop testosterone with the hope we can find a new way to gain results of upping testosterone to a healthy level. If it doesn't work, I may have to stop the sport and it's as simple as that."

The problem was, Sonnen did not inform the NSAC that he continued using the two substances. He contended that anastrozole and clomiphene are not allowed on "game day" only. He said that he will appeal because he tested positive before the fight and not on the actual competition.

The promotion said, "UFC officials acknowledge irregularities in a recent random test. Chael is planning on addressing the matter this afternoon."

Sonnen first failed a drug test in 2010 and was suspended for a year. This is the second time he was found positive.

In the meantime, Sonnen will have to be suspended as he appeals. Sonnen said that retirement was not among his options and will defend his use of the two substances. He said, "These are not performance-enhancing drugs. They are not steroids of any kind. It's very tough to be caught on this. They changed the rules. I have to comply with rules. However, there is a transition period. I couldn't have been more open or transparent. Anybody I could talk to about this, I did."

UFC President Dana White commented, "I'm not shocked. This has been lingering. This stuff has been legal. TRT was legal. Now the (NSAC) said it's illegal. Now it's got to go away, but there's going to be side effects of stopping this thing cold turkey. It just doesn't work that way," in a report by MMA Fighting.