Documents obtained by MMA Fighting revealed that UFC middleweight fighter Chael Sonnen informed the California State athletic Commission about his use of steroid before his fight against Anderson Silva in UFC 117. Based on the 100 page document released by the CSAC, Sonnen really violated the commission’s anti-doping policy.

What Happened Before the Fight?

When Sonnen was subjected to drug test before the fight, he informed Frank Munoz, the event supervisor that he took testosterone a day before. He also listed the substance in the urine sample form. Fighters are required to list any form of medications or supplements that they have taken recently. This includes vitamins and minerals.

The documents revealed the specific drugs and supplements that were allegedly taken by Sonnen. On August 5, the former middleweight contender took 1 shot of testosterone. Three days before the fight he also took 6 Advils, 1 tablet of vitamin C and Iron, a multivitamin, and Aspirin.

The urine sample of Sonnen was tested by the UCLA Olympic Analytical Laboratory on August 13. According to CSAC, they were informed by the laboratory of the test result on September 2. Based on the test, Sonnen’s testosterone to epitestosterone ratio (T/E) is way beyond the normal level. The T/E ratio is 16.9 which is more than 4 times the normal ratio which is 4.0.

The body is producing its own testosterone. However, an elevation of the testosterone in the body signifies that it could be due to supplementation of testosterone. The use of steroids is banned by the Commission. On September 7, a follow up test was conducted by the UCLA Lab but the result did not change. The laboratory even provided 66 pages of documents that explained and supported the validity of their findings. These include how they handled the samples and the procedures done during the testing.

The CSAC notified Chael Sonnen of the failed steroid test on September 16. The commission suspended the fighter for one year and imposed a fine of $2,500. However, Sonnen decided to appeal the case which was scheduled this Thursday.

Hormone Replacement Therapy Will be Used as Defense

Even before Sonnen appeared in the tribunal, there were already reports that his legal team will be using HRT or TRT as the argument for his positive test. He claimed that he was on hormone replacement therapy for many years now. However, the problem of Sonnen is he failed to apply for exemption during the fight. Using steroid for medical condition can be allowed provided it was approved by the commission. The fighter should also follow the procedures in applying for the exemption such as acquiring valid prescription from a doctor. Even if he revealed in the form that he used testosterone, he still violated the policy. Thus the suspension is valid.

The CSAC claimed that Sonnen never applied for an exemption for testosterone replacement therapy. Keith Kaizer of NSAC also told the media that the UFC fighter never applied for exemption in his previous fights in Nevada. This makes it difficult for Sonnen to prove that he has a medical condition that must be treated with steroids. A person who has a very low level of testosterone requires treatment continuously and it even last for years depending on the severity of the condition.

If Chael Sonnen failed to convince the CSAC about his alleged medical condition, he can only fight after Sept. 2, 2011 when his suspension ends.

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