Following a failed random drug test conducted last month by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and an explanation that received a rash of criticism, former UFC middleweight contender Chael Sonnen retired Wednesday night.
Sonnen made the announcement on Fox's 'UFC Tonight,' where he is a regular analyst. The decision closes the book on Sonnen's 17-year professional career.
"I want to take an opportunity to officially announcement my retirement from competitive mixed martial arts. I had a great time," the 37-year-old Sonnen said. " ... I want to thank Fox. I want to thank the leadership of the UFC.
" I want to thank a man named Bill Brady, who gave me a second wind, if you will. He's a member of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, and he believed in me at a time when I really needed somebody to, and I owe the second wind of my career to him. I am proud to call him a friend.
"I also want to thank the most important opponent I've ever had. I couldn't have got here without this dance partner, and that is of course you, Anderson Silva. Thank you for the opportunity. Thank you for the memories. Thank you for the invitation to the barbecue, even though I didn't take you up on it."
Sonnen failed a random drug test, which was a stipulation for his scheduled showdown with Vitor Belfort at UFC 175. After the test, Sonnen was removed from the card, which takes place July 5 at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Test results revealed that the illegal drugs anastrozole and clomiphene were in Sonnen's system. Each drug appears on the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned substance list.
Sonnen reasoned that the drugs in his body weren't proof of any wrongdoing because he was not in competition at the time. He also stated that taking the drugs was necessary as he and his wife were attempting to have a child.
Anastrozole is used to treat breast cancer in women going through menopause, according to MedicineNet.com. Clomiphene is used to stimulate ovulation.
"Yes they can [test me 24-7-365]," Sonnen said Tuesday night, referring to NSAC's right to test him. "But there is a distinction drawn. It doesn't matter if you're talking NCAA Division I, the IOC or this commission. There has always been a distinction between game day and out of competition. And when you're out of competition, if you're not on anabolic; if you're not on illegal substances; if you're not a steroid or a performance enhancer of any kind, that is acceptable."
Sonnen finishes his career with a professional record of 28-14-1. He jumped into the national spotlight during two title bouts against then-UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva.
In their first meeting, at UFC 117 in August 2010, Sonnen dominated the action for more than four rounds before being submitted in the fifth. Silva won the rematch [UFC 148 in July 2012] by second-round TKO.
Sonnen got a third title shot in April 2013 when he moved to light heavyweight for a meeting with titleholder Jon Jones at UFC 159. Jones made quick work of Sonnen, finishing him in the first round by TKO.
He'd rebound from that loss with an impressive first-round submission of former UFC light heavyweight champion Mauricio Rua in August 2013. Unfortunately, Sonnen lost his next and eventual final professional bout to ex-205 champion Rashad Evans in November.
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