'Without TRT, I may have to give up the sport', says Sonnen

C. Sonnen during his appearance on UFC Tonight. Photo: Reproduction/FOX Sports 1

Se Chael Sonnen had already changed his initial speech about banning the use of Testosterone Replacement Treatment (TRT), initially stating that the new guidelines should be followed without complaints and then commenting on the worsening of his quality of life that the lack of treatment causes, this time he went further. During his appearance on the “UFC Tonigh” program, the organization's official newspaper on North American TV, Sonnen said that he could even end his career given the current scenario.

“If this (keeping my testosterone levels stable without TRT) doesn’t work, I may have to give up the sport. It's that simple. I still don't know myself. I know I have to sit down with my team, not just my manager, and understand the rules. But we also have to talk to doctors and resolve the health issue. An athlete should not have to choose between sport or health. It has to be a combination of both,” Sonnen said.

The ban on the use of TRT was initially instituted by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, which regulates fights taking place in the city of Las Vegas – generally the most important in the UFC. The Brazilian MMA Athletic Commission followed Nevada's decision and also extinguished exemptions for treatment in fights in the country. In the case of other commissions, although there is a recommendation that they follow Nevada's example, there has not yet been an official statement regarding new regulations.

On May 31st, with no officially defined location yet, Chael Sonnen faces the Brazilian Wanderlei Silva in the main fight of TUF Brasil 3 Finale. The opponents were rival coaches in the most recent Brazilian edition of the Ultimate reality show, recorded at the beginning of the year and which begins to be shown on open TV next Sunday (9). According to CABMMA, for the fight against Wand, Sonnen will not be able to request an exemption to use the TRT. The only exception to the entity's new deliberation is the veteran Dan Henderson, which faces Mauritius Shogun on March 23rd in Natal (RN). As he had already filed his request before the new rule, Hendo will have his case reviewed weeks before the duel.