UFC officials today confirmed that both Stephan Bonnar and Dave Herman tested positive for banned substances after their fights at UFC 153 in Rio, Brazil last month.
Bonnar, who retired after his loss to Anderson Silva in the main event, tested positive for Drostanolone, an anabolic steroid, while Herman produced a positive drugs test for marijuana metabolites post-fight after a defeat against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in the co-main event.
The story beggars belief when you consider the fact that both men have actually failed a drugs test for the same reason in the past.
‘The American Psycho’ was suspended for steroid use back in 2006 after a second loss to Forrest Griffin, and as recently as last year Herman was found to have marijuana in his system during a pre-fight drugs screening for UFC 136.
It’s very disappointing that a supposed ambassador of the sport like Bonnar would be foolish enough to get caught up in something like this which will forever remain as a black mark on his legacy. I can’t say I’m completely surprised though. Given his previous use of steroids I was suspicious when he turned up in remarkably good shape for the short-notice Silva fight despite essentially having announced his retirement a few months earlier.
He’s let a lot of people down though and potentially put his future broadcasting career in jeopardy, though due to his close bond with Dana White I suspect he’ll still get opportunities than perhaps he deserves.
As for Herman, I suspect the UFC will have had enough and with his last three fights in the UFC all being defeats he’s almost certain to be shown the door, and rightly so.
