Chael Sonnen suspended, Vitor Belfort gets title shot
The California State Athletic Commission has released a statement regarding the positive drug test of Chael Sonnen, and suspended the fighter for year. Sonnen was tested after his Ultimate
Fighting Championship middleweight title fight against champion Anderson Silva in early August at UFC 117.
The CSAC’s statement reads, “A sample from Sonnen’s August 6 drug test came back with a high T/E (testosterone-to-estrogen) level, which is indicative of anabolic steroid use. CSAC learned
of the results September 2 and ordered a second test, which also came back positive for steroid use. CSAC received test results from the second sample on September 14 and suspended Sonnen two days later.”
The punishment given to Sonnen by the CSAC is a one-year suspension and a fine of $2,500.
Sonnen has 30 days to request an appeal hearing in regard to the suspension.
Sonnen’s manager, Mike Thomas said an appeal would be forthcoming, “Chael will file and appeal with the CSAC and looks forward to working with the commission to resolve this matter.”
Sonnen’s suspension affected the UFC almost immediately. Former UFC light heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort was scheduled to fight Yushin Okami at UFC 122. Belfort was pulled from the
fight on Tuesday. Nate Marquardt was selected to replace Belfort on the November fight card.
On Wednesday afternoon UFC president Dana White posted the following on his Twitter page, “Vitor is not injured. He is going to fight anderson for the title and the winner of marquart
and okami are next.”
No date has been set for the Silva vs. Belfort fight, but speculation points to the two meeting very early in 2011 to battle for Silva’s title.
To date Chael Sonnen has made no official statement regarding his positive drug test. The silence coming from the Sonnen camp is very unusual for a fighter that is usually very forthcoming
with his comments and opinions.
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