Sonnen Tests Positive For Steroids

Outspoken UFC middleweight Chael Sonnen has tested positive for steroids for his UFC 117 title fight with Anderson Silva. Urine samples provided a day before the August bout showed a high testosterone level, which is indicative of anabolic steroid use. At the time of going to press Sonnen had not publicly addressed the issue though will appeal a 12-month ban before the California State Athletic Commision on December 2nd. Dana White, UFC president, said: “There’s more to this story than meets the eye.”

Dan Henderson To Take On ‘Babalu’

Former UFC fighters Dan Henderson and Renato ‘Babalu’ Sobral will square off on December 4th for Strikeforce. The St Louis event will be the second meeting between the two since a 2000 encounter where Henderson took away a decision win. Both parties in the light heavyweight bout have challenged for the 205lb UFC title in the past: Henderson was unsuccessful against ‘Rampage’ Jackson in 2007 and Babalu suffered a Chuck Liddell knockout in 2006.

UFC Record Holder Duffee Dropped

Hotly tipped heavyweight striker Todd Duffee has been abruptly cut from the UFC, despite holding their ‘Fastest Knockout’ record at seven seconds. Duffee (6-1) said he didn’t know why the Las Vegas company had made the decision although he was told it’s because he lost his previous fight, a UFC 114 third-round knockout to Mike Russow. “I’m hurt more than anything because I don’t know why,” said Duffee, who had two fights remaining on his contract. “As a man, you just want to hear why so you can understand.”

The heavyweight’s manager, Alex Davis, said he tried hard to avoid the situation “but Dana wasn’t listening.” Davis continued: “The UFC has the right to terminate a fighter’s contract... He is still a very viable talent.” Duffee said he intends to field offers from other organizations and may begin studying at the University of Nevada. “I went from losing the biggest fight of my life to losing my dad two weeks later to losing my best friend a week after that. I lost a coach, and now I’ve lost my job. At this point, it isn’t the worst thing that could ever happen to me. There are people who would kill to be in my situation, and I just have to stay positive and keep moving forward.” Dana White later said: “The biggest problem I have with Todd Duffee is his attitude.”

Two Titles Up For Grabs at WEC 53

Both the lightweight and bantamweight WEC belts are to be contested at the Zuffa-owned promotion’s December 16th event in Arizona. Impressive 12-1 lightweight champ Ben Henderson will defend his belt against the dynamic 23-year-old Anthony Pettis (11-1), who will make his first attempt at a WEC title. Elsewhere on the card Scott Jorgensen (11-3) fresh off a ‘Fight of the Night’ win against Brad Pickett will take on bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz (16-1). WEC fans voted to bring an event to Arizona, ousting 29 other states in a web-based poll.

Josh Barnett Signs With Strikeforce

San Jose-based promotion Strikeforce has signed former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett to a multi-fight deal. The American fighter (29-5) said he was “proud” to be a Strikeforce fighter. Barnett famously tested positive for steroids for the second time in his career before his 2009 Affliction bout with Fedor Emelianenko, who is also under contract to Strikeforce. Barnett is on a six-fight win streak, which includes Gilbert Yvel, Jeff Monson and Hidehiko Yoshida stretching back to 2008.

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