Silva, Sonnen subject to out of competition anti-doping tests
Tthe NYSAC has made arrangements to have both Chael Sonnen and Wanderlei Silva undergo out-of-competition drug testing.
The MMA Report‘s Jason Floyd reports that the New York State Athletic Commission has made arrangements to have both Chael Sonnen and Wanderlei Silva undergo out-of-competition drug testing prior to their fight next week. The news was confirmed by NYSAC communications department representative Laz Benitez. It has a long and unfortunate backstory.
In May of 2014, Wanderlei Silva ran from a Performance Enhancing Drug test administered by the Nevada Athletic Commission. Silva had been preparing for a fight with Chael Sonnen at UFC 175 in July. During a formal hearing, Silva said he had been using a banned diuretic, to help with a wrist injury. In a previous statement released via video, he had cited a language barrier as the cause of his dashing out a side door.
Sonnen got a new opponent, Vitor Belfort.
Then Sonnen tested positive for Anastrozole, Clomiphene, and human chorionic gonadotropin and promptly retired forever. Results from a second test failed for human growth hormone (HGH), recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO), and hCG.
Sonnen had previously failed an anti-doping test in 2010 after losing a title shot at the UFC G.O.A.T. Anderson Silva, when his testosterone/epitestosterone (T/E) ratio was 16.9:1, 17 times the normal ration, and four times the legal limit.
Neither man fought at all in 2014, 2015, or 2106. Sonnen has had one fight, in January. Both eventually signed with Bellator MMA. Silva will make his return vs. Chael Sonnen at Bellator New York on June 24.
The UFC has contracted with the US Anti-Doping Agency to perform random, comprehensive, out-of-competition testing for the entire roster. Bellator doesn’t.
Our policy is that we always abide by what the state athletic commission wants to do, says Coker.
Bellator New York is headlined by Silva vs. Sonnen and is broadcast on pay per view television. It is preceded by Bellator 180, which is headlined by a rematch between Phil Davis and Ryan Bader.