Dana White: 'Firing Sonnen from TV was difficult, but it was what I had to do'

D. White (left) broke the UFC's partnership with C. Sonnen (right) on North American TV. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

Found with prohibited substances in his body for the second consecutive anti-doping test, Chael Sonnen, who had already been cut from UFC 175 and announced his retirement from professional MMA, also ended up being fired from his post as presenter of UFC Tonight, the organization's official newspaper on North American TV. For president Dana White, the decision to exclude Sonnen, considered a natural communicator, was difficult, but necessary.

“(Firing Sonnen from TV) It was a difficult decision. It's one of those difficult decisions you have to make. It was definitely difficult, but it was what I had to do”, said the manager, to the North American channel “FOX Sports 1”. “You know, decisions like this are never easy. Chael is someone I personally care about. I know a lot of people at FOX who also appreciate him. The guy had four banned substances in his system. Four prohibited substances in his system about to fight here in Las Vegas”, he added.

Last week, already cut from UFC 175 and officially retired from MMA, Chael Sonnen was caught in his second doping test in less than a month due to the use of GH, the growth hormone, and erythropoietin. Growth hormone is an anabolic widely used by bodybuilders. While erythropoietin works to increase the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the muscles, thus increasing resistance and vigor. In the first positive test, in June, the fighter had been caught using HCG, anastrozole and clomiphene, which he justified using to combat sexual impotence resulting from hypogonadism.