6. Failed Drug Test After Silva vs. Sonnen 1
After nearly doing the unthinkable, even in defeat, Sonnen should have been on top of the world. And to be fair, he acted the part, settling into his role as the brash, trash-talking Sonnen we love today. However, a major wrinkle came up after UFC 117 - he failed his post-fight drug test. His testosterone levels were jacked, and he was suspended for a year by the California State Athletic Commission. He would appeal. stating he had a medical need to take testosterone, and that he believed he had taken the necessary steps to make the CSAC aware. He stated he had previous approval from the NSAC for TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), and had been advised that he did not need to disclose the treatment on future forms, including those from other athletic commissions. From Sonnen's point of view, it was a procedural error. The CSAC cut him some slack, accepting the argument in part and cutting his suspension to six months. Then NSAC Executive Director Keith Kizer publicly disputed Sonnen's testimony, saying Sonnen had never had approval, and that he'd never spoken to Sonnen. He did, however, acknowledge speaking to Sonnen's manager, about the TRT approval process, but not in regards to any one fighter. Based on Kizer's statements and a money laundering case we'll cover shortly, the CSAC reversed course in April 2011, weeks after the shortened suspension had ended, and suspended Chael indefinitely. Sonnen appealed and appeared before the CSAC, who upheld the decision 4-1 after hearing testimony from Kizer. However, they clarified that the suspension would only last until his existing fight license expired. After that, Sonnen was free to reapply for a new license. He would return at UFC 136 that November, defeating Brian Stann by submission.