UFC, FOX terminate broadcasting services agreements with Chael Sonnen
“Multiple sources indicate to me that Chael Sonnen will not be a part of Fox broadcasts going forward, at least for a while,” tweeted Jeremy Botter.
Former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen tested positive for prohibited drugs last month. Although the drugs were prescribed by a physician as part of a regimen to wean his body from Testosterone Replacement Therapy, he did not get them cleared by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Sonnen subsequently retired as a fighter. However, he remained on a co-host of FOX Sports UFC Tonight, with Kenny Florian.
Then in a second surprise test, Sonnen tested positive for drugs that are not part of a conventional treatment plan to deal with coming off TRT, like HGH and EPO.
There were calls that the UFC should pressure Sonnen to retire from his position as a commentator, as a sign of the importance they place on keeping the sport clean.
Now there are multiple reports that the UFC and FOX are cutting ties with the former fighter. It is not know if this is on a permanent or temporary basis.
The UFC and FOX released a public statement:
The UFC and FOX Sports organizations announced today the termination of their respective broadcasting services agreements with analyst Chael Sonnen. This decision comes in light of Sonnen failing a second test conducted by the Nevada Athletic Commission for banned substances in June. Sonnen was previously under temporary suspension by the Nevada Athletic Commission for failing an initial test conducted in May.