UFC
UFC's Chael Sonnen fails second pre-UFC 175 drug test, this time for HGH and EPO
Jun 28, 2014 - 8:55:41 PM UFC's Chael Sonnen fails second pre-UFC 175 drug test, this time for HGH and EPO

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Turns out Chael Sonnen was on even more that he didn't disclose when he tried to argue his way out of a drug test failure from May.

According to a report from MMAFighting.com, Sonnen was tested again on June 5 prior to the first results coming back, as he was still scheduled to fight on the July 5 UFC 175 card. Those tests have now come back, and he tested positive for both human growth hormone (HGH), and recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO), which is a form of blood doping to increase red blood cells carrying oxygen to the muscles. Additionally, the HCG he admitted to taking, along with the anastrozole he tested positive for on May 25, were both in his system in this test.

Sonnen gave a statement in reaction to the test, and incredibly placed all of the drugs in his system on coming off of testosterone replacement therapy.

Said Sonnen: "Yes, the Commission is aware of other prescribed medications I was taking and I will not challenge their allegations. I will cooperate with the Commission and look forward to having a dialogue about how fighters who transition off TRT can avoid violating any rules."

These latest drug test results will now be added to the disciplinary complaint against him when his hearing is held at the next commission meeting on July 23.

Penick's Analysis: Well, if you were willing to buy Sonnen's ridiculous claims of being above board with his other treatments, this should put that to rest. Yeah, you can explain away the anastrozole, the HCG, and the Clomid as drugs needed to boost his system after stopping testosterone use; you cannot make those claims for HGH, and EPO? Seriously? He's tested positive for two wildly banned substances because they are absolutely, unequivocally performance enhancing drugs, and he again talks about transitioning off the TRT here. No, this is blatant, knowledgeable cheating, and more than likely this isn't the first time it's been done by Sonnen.

[Chael Sonnen art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]