Chael Sonnen Saga and Stunning UFC Cut

I have held from writing a blog about this for two days to the let dust settle so that way I can go through nothing but the facts.

MMAjunkie.com first reported that Chael Sonnen had failed his post fight drug test from his August 7th fight with Anderson Silva.

Sunday would have been a perfect time to write the blog, but for these stories you have to wait for the facts to come in. According to California State Athletic Commission's executive director George Dodd, "Chael Sonnen tested for well above normal levels of testosterone." On Monday, Sports Illustrated's Josh Gross reported that Chael Sonnen told CSAC he might test positive for an above average amount of testosterone. Here is an interesting fact about CSAC policy: Fighters in California can take (PEDS) Performance Enhancing Drugs if a proper medical justification exists and they fulfill commission guidelines. Now stay with me, If Chael Sonnen admitted to the CSAC that he might test positive why was Sonnen allowed to fight? Rule 303c requires lab to confirm + results before the CSAC can stop a fight. These are the facts of this case, and they are indisputable.

There have been some to argue that elevated level of Testosterone can occur when one is a high level performance athlete, I believe the term is called: overtrained athlete syndrome. As Dr. Johnny Benjamin points out in his recent column @MMAjunkie.com, it does increase the level of testosterone but not to the point of showing up on pre or post fight urine tests. The amount found in Chael Sonnen's system was to the extent of 6-7 times the normal amount. Now for the consequences that Chael faces. He and his camp have said that they plan on appealing this failed drug test at the next CSAC meeting which I believe is November 9th. However what this means for his UFC re-match with Anderson Silva is that it will be put on hold, Chael may never get it back. A similar situation occurred Feburary 13th, 2009 MMA Legend, Ken Shamrock easily defeated his oversized opponent Ross Clifton. After the fight, Ken tested positive for steroids and was banned for a year. Chael faces a similiar fate as I do not see what he can argue that could change the CSAC's mind about suspending and fining him.

According to MMAJunkie.com's latest development about the story, "According to Dodd, Sonnen was flagged first on Sept. 2 after an initial test revealed the presence of a performance-enhancer. A second, more-rigorous test conducted at the UCLA's Olympic Analytical Laboratory confirmed the results. The laboratory is used by the U.S. Olympic Committee and is the world's largest World Anti-Doping Agency-certified facility." There is a possibility for tampering or a mistake, but considering it is used by the highest levels of athletic competition, I would think would be right more times than not.

What can be done to improve our sport to more harshly punish those that test positive. There are several theories that some have come up with it. A) Slap them with a harsh suspension. While suspensions do work, they could always fight overseas in places such as Japan where athletic commissions do not exist. B) My personal favorite, hit 'em where it hurts the most, their wallet. Fine the crap out of them. Instead of the fine being 2,500 for Sonnen make it 25,000. Once fighters' wallets get lighter, they will take a second look at whether the positives outweigh the negatives as far as taking PEDs. It is not the job of the organizations such as the UFC and Strikeforce, it is the Athletic Commissions jobs to get harsher penalties for those who constantly fail their drug tests.

What do ya'll think can be done to squash the continuing problem of athletes trying to beat the system?

What I find funny was that two weeks ago, Chael Sonnen signed up to join Randy Couture's Extreme Couture's supplement line. Fascinating fact that is not being reported right now.

Well thats all I can muster for the Chael Sonnen positive test.........for now.

Last topic

Why was Efrain Escudero cut from the UFC? He was (3-2) in the UFC losses to only Evan Dunham, and Charles Oliveira both future champs in my opinion. He defeated Phillipe Nover, Cole Miller via KO, and Dan Lauzon. I enjoy watching an Efrain Escudero fight. He did miss weight his last fight by 4 pounds. Even with that, was that really enough to let him go. We must not forget he is also a TUF season 8 winner. I think he offers way too many good qualities for him to not be cut. I think if there isn't something else such as an incident that is not being reported right now, then that would make sense. This is a huge loss to the UFC and I hope he becomes successful in all "future endeavors."

Thats all for now,

Happy Hunting.