Yahoo Sports Chael Sonnen Retires from MMA in Fallout of Failed Drug Test
Following a failed out-of-competition drug test that revealed banned substances in his system, UFC middleweight Chael Sonnen announced on Wednesday that he is retiring from professional mixed martial arts.
The fighter made the announcement on UFC Tonight during his weekly role as the FOX Sports 1 program's co-host.
“I want to stay within the rules, and I don't fully understand them, and I have to put my health first. I have to put my family first,” Sonnen said.
“There's going to be a day where I no longer have the title of fighter,” he added, “but I don't ever want there to be a day where I don't have the ability to have the title as parent and father and husband, and my health has got to come first.”
As reported by MMAWeekly.com on Tuesday, Sonnen tested positive for anastrozole and clomiphene, both of which can be used to treat symptoms related to hypogonadism.
Sonnen was randomly tested by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) in May while he was in Las Vegas promoting the upcoming UFC 175 fight card. The results of the test prompted UFC officials to pull Sonnen from the card.
Following news of the results of withdrawal from the card, Sonnen defended his position in saying that these drugs were taken as a result of coming off testosterone-replacement therapy, which the fighter said he utilized to treat hypogonadism. Sonnen had a therapeutic use exemption for such a treatment prior to it being banned by the NSAC.
Sonnen said Wednesday that he is, as all athletes are, responsible for the substances put in his body.
“I do admit fault,” he said. “I want to make sure I take full responsibility.”
Sonnen completes his professional career with a record of 28-14-1.
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