Thursday, Dec. 2, 2010 | 5:25 p.m.
Middleweight fighter Chael Sonnen listens to a reporter's question during an interview at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Wednesday, February 3, 2010.
The California State Athletic Commission voted to reduce an original year-long suspension given to UFC middleweight Chael Sonnen to six months Thursday.
The commission voted in favor of the reduction 3-to-1.
Sonnen (25-11-1) received the suspension when a pre-fight urine sample from UFC 117 showed elevated levels of testosterone. He has not spoke to any press since the original ruling was handed down.
During Thursday’s hearing, Sonnen revealed he had been undergoing testosterone replacement therapy due to hypogonadism.
Also known as TRT, testosterone replacement therapy is allowed, however fighters are responsible for informing commissions beforehand and must still test under a testosterone to epitestosterone ratio of 4.0.
Sonnen’s test produced a 16.9 result.
In his defense, Sonnen said he had informed the commission’s executive officer George Dodd of his condition. Dodd confirmed Sonnen’s statements but added he failed to file the necessary paperwork.
The 6-month suspension will now through March 2, 2011.
On Aug. 7 of this year, Sonnen fought middleweight champion Anderson Silva. He very nearly became the first UFC fighter to ever defeat Silva, dominating him through four rounds before getting caught in a triangle submission in the final minutes.
Brett Okamoto can be reached at 948-7817 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at LVSunFighting
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