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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Stephan Bonnar and Dave Herman both failed drug tests at last month's UFC 153 event in Brazil, but both have received different punishments.
The UFC handled drug testing for the event, as there is no commission oversight in Brazil, and thus were responsible for discipline as well. Bonnar received a year-long suspension due to his positive test for anabolic steroids, but Herman's punishment is much less severe.
According to a report from MMAJunkie.com, Herman's failed drug test for marijuana metabolites has brought about a six month suspension from the UFC, along with a requirement that he participate in a drug rehabilitation program. Additionally, he'll need to pass a follow up drug test following the suspension prior to getting another fight.
Penick's Analysis: The UFC's got different ideas when it comes to recreational drugs and performance enhancers, and it's the right stance to have. Drugs like marijuana are not performance enhancers, but they are against the rules in place, so testing positive should result in a punishment of some kind; but it doesn't need to be as severe as the punishment handed down for steroids and other performance enhancers. The UFC's policy is reflecting that idea, and this is a sensible punishment for Herman.
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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