For FloCombat via Ag. Fight

Famous for his unique personality and classic taunts against opponents before his fights, Chael Sonnen was in New York to promote Bellator 180, an event "The American Gangster" will headline against his old rival Wanderlei Silva June 24 at Madison Square Garden.

The pre-fight banter started at an official press conference last week that the Brazilian attended via video conference. But contrary to what one might imagine, Sonnen downplayed the absence of "The Axe Murderer" and instead took the opportunity to make it clear that the former Pride champion will not be able to hide from anti-doping tests.

In an exclusive interview with AG. Fight shortly after the press conference, Sonnen took the opportunity to explain why Silva, even in Brazil, will not be able to avoid tests. Contrary to what happens in the UFC, regional athletic commissions are responsible for conducting the tests for Bellator events, which, at least at first sight, would leave Silva out of harm's way as far as doping tests are concerned since he lives and trains outside the U.S. However, Sonnen claimed that in case the New York commission asks for an exam of Silva, he will only have 24 hours to hand over the requested material, no matter his current location.

"I've been on both sides and there is going to be testing," Sonnen said. "It's not true that the tests will stop happening. The world is not a big enough place to hide. I've seen (Scott) Coker get asked this, I've seen Dana White get asked this and the promoters are almost stumbling for an answer. But the reality is that this is outside of their scope. The commission oversees that. It's not the promoter's job to even know the answers.

"There's 50 different jurisdictions within this country, and every time you're getting asked that question (as a promoter), you've got to freeze and ask yourself, 'Where am I standing today?' Because if I'm in New York, then it's New York, so I've got to answer Kim Sumbler (and her commission) […]. If Andy Foster calls me from California, I'll have 24 hours to report to him for the test. That's it. If I miss the phone call, my clock starts. If he leaves me a voicemail, my clock starts. If he sends me an email and I don't check it, my clock starts and if you don't meet it, you automatically fail. I'm no Wanderlei [Silva] fan, I know he has not shied away from tests, but if Kim Sumbler's office calls and says he has 24 hours, he will have 24 hours. Wherever he is at."