Two Major UFC Fighters Fail Drug Tests

It has been confirmed that Lightweight champion Sean Sherk has failed his post-UFC 73 drug tests. His opponent Hermes Franca released a statement claiming he would be coming up positive when the next set of test results were made public by the California State Athletic Commission.

Sherk tested positive for Nandrolone Metabolite and has been fined $2,500. He will be suspended until June 26, 2008 (nearly a year). Normal levels of Nandrolone range from 2 ng/mL to 6 ng/mL - where as Sherk was found with 12 ng/mL.

Loretta Hunt reported on Fight Network radio that Greg Nelson has indicated Sherk will challenge the test result.

Because the fight was in California, and not Nevada, the commission doesn't have the power to overturn the result of the match.

UFC has not yet made a statement regarding the test result. Sherk has 30 days to request a hearing. If he fails to successfully appeal the test result, one would think UFC would have little choice but to strip him of his championship.

source: mmanews.com & wrestlingobserver.com