Chael fails

Chael Sonnen was only a few minutes away from stunning the MMA world.  For 23 minutes, Chael smothered the champion, Anderson Silva, with his wrestling and ground and pound.  In the 5th and final round of their UFC 117 bout, Anderson threw his legs up and locked in a triangle choke/armbar combination that forced Sonnen to tapout.  Silva escaped back to Brazil with his title and Chael was left with nothing but heartbreak and thoughts of "what if?"

Sonnen moments before tapping out.

Unfortunately for Chael, when it rains it pours.  According to George Dodd of the California State Athletic Commission, Sonnen failed his pre-fight drug test for a banned substance.  It is unclear if Chael had a performance-enhancing drug in his system but it is likely since he passed their test for drugs of abuse.  The test for drugs of abuse cover drugs such as cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and amphetamines.

With the positive test result, Sonnen is looking at a one year suspension and a fine.  This also kills the rematch Sonnen was promised immediately after his loss at UFC 117.  Not only did Chael lose his first shot at Anderson's belt, he now has lost his second shot without even getting into the cage.  The upcoming fight between Yushin Okami and Vitor Belfort will now determine who gets the next shot at Anderson Silva and the Middleweight Championship.

It will be interesting to see what Chael had in his system and if he will appeal the suspension.