Tainting the MMA Bloodline

Why, Chael?  Why?


Chael Sonnen can't stay out of trouble.  First, he had elevated testosterone levels after the Silva fight.  Then he plead guilty to money laundering related to a 2006 real estate deal.


If he was on the level, Chael might become one of the greatest fighters in the business.  He's a 2-time National Champion wrestler at the University of Oregon, and the only man to put a beatdown on Spider Silva.  But at this point, I would prefer that he not represent the UFC or Strikeforce for that matter.

Twice now, Chael has shown himself to be of questionable scruples: once in fighting and once in his outside business.  The last thing MMA needs is a target for its critics -- especially for those critics who focus on the ethics of the sport.


This, of course, goes the same for Thiago Silva.  The guy cheated, covered it up, and, once he was exposed, admitted to it.  In doing so, he defeated a fighter -- Brandon Vera -- who was trying to stage a career comeback.  Had Silva gone undetected, it wouldn't have only been Vera's nose that got smashed, it would have been his livelihood and ambitions.  


At the minimum, the UFC should levy heavy suspensions on cheaters: perhaps a 2-year suspension and fine.  And, in fact, I wouldn't be wholly opposed to permanent competition bans.


If we let admitted cheaters compete at the highest levels, then MMA is going to suffer the same loss of faith that Major League Baseball has experienced with steroid scandals involving Mark McGuire and Roger Clemons.  At this point, who can admire any new record or amazing statistical achievement in baseball?  The juice is just too widespread.


MMA is the purest of athletics: man versus man, with nothing but their own physical power, intelligence, and desire at their disposal.  If we allow just a drop of artificial substances to taint the MMA bloodline, then the sport as a whole is in trouble.