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MMAjunkie.com Radio today welcomes to the show Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez. "El Nino" calls in to discuss his trilogy victory over Josh Thomson. Additionally, the always-popular Burt Watson stops by the studio to share a few behind-the-scenes UFC stories, and Rob Cardenas drops in to recount today's NSAC meeting. MMAjunkie.com Radio airs today in a special "PRIMETIME" slot of 8 p.m. ET live from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Listen to and watch a video stream of the two-hour show at www.mmajunkie.com/radio, or watch it live on select television markets as part of Fight Now TV.

After watching his opponent, Daniel Cormier, have his hand raised in victory at Saturday night’s Strikeforce: Cormier vs. Barnett, “The War Master” Josh Barnett  revealed during his post-fight interview that he broke his left hand early in the bout.

Barnett, who was immediately rushed to the hospital after the event, was unavailable for further comments that night. He has however confirmed via twitter that his hand was indeed broken. “Here’s what happened in the first :30…still threw it though. Of course that might not have so wise,” he tweeted along with the above photo of the X-Ray.

While Barnett was soundly dominated by the former Olympian, the Seattle native continued to fight for over 24 minutes, surviving to see the final bell. It would seem his past unfavorable standing with Zuffa brass is no longer an issue. It was confirmed by USA Today that when his recovery is complete, Barnett will have another fight under the Strikeforce banner .

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In a hearing that stretched over three hours and two rooms within the Grant Sawyer Office Building in Las Vegas, the Nevada State Athletic Commission unanimously voted today to suspend Nick Diaz for his failed drug test at UFC 143. Diaz's suspension runs 12 months from the date of the event, which took place Feb. 4. Additionally, he has been fined $60,000, or 30 percent of his $200,000 show purse. Diaz, who was present at hearing, must also submit a clean drug test in order to be licensed again in Nevada.

"Strikeforce: Heavyweight Grand Prix Final" headliner Josh Barnett ($200,000) and co-headline winner Gilbert Melendez ($175,000) took home the biggest paydays at this past weekend's Showtime- and Showtime Extreme-broadcast event. Grand Prix winner Daniel Cormier ($100,000) and co-feature loser Josh Thomson ($90,000) lagged just behind on the event's payroll, which totaled $768,500. MMAjunkie.com today requested and received the list of official disclosed paydays from the California State Athletic Commission.

It appears that "The American Psycho" wants to go out with a bang

Currently riding a three fight win streak, Bonnar was a guest on this past Thursday's MMA Uncensored Live on Spike TV where the 14 fight UFC veteran spoke with the show's hosts about his plans for the future.

"Well I'm on a crusade to be coaches [for TUF 16]. It only makes sense that something comes full circle and hey, if [me and Forrest Griffin] are coaches, I guarantee the fight will outdo the first one and on top of that, Forrest is a very funny guy, but I'll out-funny him. So please everybody, harass Dana White. Dana listen to the fans, let's make this happen. Don't leave him alone."

Perhaps he's hoping for a better result than Mark Hunt's recent twitter campaign to earn a title shot against Junior dos Santos.

If that doesn't work out, Bonnar does have a back-up plan.

Host Craig Carton asked Bonnar what he would do if Bonnar's campaign failed, and the veteran light heavyweight was candid in response.

"I'm no dummy. I've got a couple more fights in me. I'm insecure. I want to outdo that first fight with Forrest. I think I earned it. I'm on a nice roll. Give me some of them big names. Let me go out in a blaze of glory. That's all I want to do."

Bonnar has not fought since a November 2011 victory over Kyle Kingsbury at UFC 139, where he utilized his superior wrestling to grind out a decision in a rather non-crowd-pleasing affair.

Would you be supportive of Bonnar as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter? What fight would you give him if you were Joe Silva right now?

Nick Diaz won’t be returning to the Octagon anytime soon.

After a hearing that dragged on for what felt like hours and hours, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) brought the hammer down earlier today (Mon., May 21, 2012) on Nick Diaz for his failed drug test for marijuana metabolites at UFC 143 back on Feb. 4, 2012, in Las Vegas.

And they didn't hold back one bit.

That's because Diaz was suspended for 12 months retroactive to the date of his fight against Carlos Condit, which means he'll be out of action until at least February 2013. On top of that, he was fined 30-percent of his entire fight purse.

If that seems harsh, well, that's because it is. Remember, Alistair Overeem was suspended for nine months after he tested with a T/E ratio of 14:1 and reportedly attempted to duck out on tests.

Then again, this was Diaz's second drug test failure for marijuana in the state of Nevada, the first coming all the way back in 2007 after his thrilling submission victory over Takanori Gomi. He was suspended six months and fined 20-percent of his purse for that first offense.

To read more on Diaz's hearing in front of the NSAC today, including all the relevant notes and quotes, click here.

Nick Diaz went before the Nevada State Athletic Commission in a grueling three hour meeting to challenge his suspension for a positive drug test. In the end, after being grilled for hours on medical/personal history of marijuana and his failed UFC 143 test , the commission voted unanimously to suspend Diaz for a year and dock him 30% of his UFC 143 fight purse.

Diaz came off as truthful in the hearing but often too truthful at times. At one point in the hearing Commissioner Pat Lundvall reminded Diaz that he promised to quit smoking following his failed PRIDE 33 drug test and asked Diaz when he started smoking again, Diaz candidly responded “I would imagine when I got home.” Diaz further went on to state that he started using marijuana recreationally well before he was given a recommendation for marijuana.

While Diaz’s legal team did their best to use the WADA code as the basis of the argument, the commission reminded them that while NSAC uses WADA as a base, WADA rules have no bearing on Nevada rulings. One commissioner even stated that the use of metabolites is necessary in all drug testing, including steroids, since metabolites are what is measured in an urinalysis.

Diaz’s team brought in a former Quest Labs doctor to attempt to dispel the basis of the test being “in competition.”  Stating that Diaz’s levels were consistent for a regular user who had stopped using eight days prior and that furthermore, he was surprised the levels were not higher than that.

It should be noted, however, that the prefight medical questionnaire defines a two week period to the fight night and Nick Diaz did not admit to using marijuana on the form, despite his usage falling within the two week time period.

Nevada Deputy Attorney Chris Eccles also called into question Diaz’s understanding of the medical questionnaire and whether he intentionally deceived the commission. Eccles asserted that Diaz should have understood and disclosed his ADHD and medical marijuana usage because his doctor’s recommendation stated that Diaz had a “serious medical condition.” Commissioner Lundvall also called into question Diaz’s truthfulness in understanding the form after he stated he understood the form in the hearing but quickly backtracked after glancing at his attorney.

Another assertion was made by NSAC Executive Director Keith Kizer, who testified that Diaz’s November UFC 137 test showed signs of tampering because the urine sample was diluted. Kizer also testified that Diaz refused to take his UFC 143 drug test until Kizer threatened to withhold his purse from the fight. Kizer also stated that his 143 test also showed signs of possible dilution.

In the end, the commission stated they respected Diaz as a fighter but that his contradictory statements hurt his credibility with the commission. Commissioner Pat Lundvall also stated that she wished Diaz had applied for a Therapeutic Use Exemption, since it would have gone a long way in establishing his credibility during the proceedings.

Diaz’s suspension was dated retroactively to February 4 and the 30% was of his total fight purse and any bonus money he received from the bout.

MMAFrenzy.com

For the second time in five fights, former female pound-for-pound kingpin Megumi Fujii suffered a submission defeat. This time around, it was American Top Team's Jessica Aguilar who accomplished the feat at this past weekend's Bellator 69 event. In the latest Women's MMA Report installment, MMAjunkie.com Robert Sargent reports on that bout, as well as bringing you recent results bouts contested around the globe. Additionally. Sargent discusses the continued development of July's all-female Invicta FC 2 event.

It’s common knowledge Josh Thomson is a 33-year old Strikeforce lightweight who has been plagued by injury issues and may only have a limited number of fights left in him as a result. However, nobody knows exactly how important winning the divisional title this past weekend was to Thomson at this stage in his career better than “The Punk” himself.

Thomson took champion Gilbert Melendez to the limit on Saturday night in their co-headlining clash at the Strikeforce Grand Prix Final and nearly came away with the belt thanks to a spirited performance highlighted by his success while standing and near finish of “El Nino” in the fourth frame. Though Melendez ultimately won a decision some would label as controversial, Thomson seemed content with the result when asked about it after the fight and had no harsh words to offer up on the scoring or his rival’s victory.

“Everyone keeps telling me I got robbed but I don’t really think on that. I just think it was a good performance by both fighters. We gave the crowd what they wanted to see and it seems like everyone was happy. I mean I’m not happy I lost but it was a great fight,” said Thomson in an interview with Showtime, adding he was also pleased to have turned in an entertaining effort on the heels of his self-labeled “sh*tty” showing in an outpointing of K.J. Noons a few months back.

“It just goes back to the old adage that you can’t leave it in the judges’ hands,” continued the 19-5 Thomson. “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have left it. I should’ve done it myself. I should’ve finished him in the fourth, to be honest, with the Rear-Naked. Had the opportunity and just couldn’t get it done.”

With Melendez unlikely to accept another match-up against Thomson in favor of focusing on new opponents it’s hard to say who the American Kickboxing Academy staple will step in the cage with next. What is certain, however, is the likelihood of Thomson doing his damndest to keep it exciting even if he comes up short in the end.

Check out the full interview with Thomson below:

PHOTO CREDIT – STRIKEFORCE

This past Friday's new episode of "The Ultimate Fighter: Live" saw the total audience size fall to an all-time low with 821,000 total viewers. The figure marked the fifth episode of "TUF: Live" to score fewer than 1 million viewers and served as the least-watched episode in the 15-season history of the series, MMAjunkie.com today confirmed with an industry source. The one-hour episode featured two fights as both Team Cruz's Vinc Pichel and Team Faber's Al Iaquinta won quarterfinal-round fights to advance to the 32-man tourney's semifinal round.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Strikeforce middleweight champ Luke Rockhold says he’s proud of all of his AKA teammates who competed Saturday night in San Jose which includes GP Tournament winner Daniel Cormier, lightweight Josh Thomson, and light heavyweight Mike Kyle. Rockhold offers some thoughts on their fights, as well as his own upcoming fight against Tim Kennedy on July 14 Oregon, a rematch with Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza, plus more.

HT: AllElbows.com for the video

Chael Sonnen was granted a therapeutic use exemption for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) by the Nevada Athletic Commission on Monday, clearing the way for his UFC 148 showdown with Anderson Silva in Las Vegas on July 7.

On Monday, the Nevada State Athletic Commission granted UFC middleweight contender Chael Sonnen (27-11-1) a therapeutic-use exemption (TUE) for the use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in advance of his upcoming title rematch with UFC champ Anderson Silva.

Sonnen was busted by the California State Athletic Commission for a failed drug test in August 2010 after his first meeting with Silva. Sonnen claimed that he was using TRT for low testosterone levels due to hypogonadism and that he had been granted it’s use in previous bouts by NSAC exec Keith Kizer.

Kizer said that the NSAC never approved the use of TRT for Sonnen and that the fighter lied about contacting him directly. Sonnen later clarified that it was his manager who spoke to the commission, which was later revealed that the conversation only amounted to applying for it’s use and not actually granting it’s use by the fighter.

The CSAC suspended Sonnen for six months, eventually allowing to re-apply for a new license after June 29, 2011. Sonnen made his successful Octagon return on October 8, 2011 by submitting Brian Stann at UFC 136.

During today’s hearing, Sonnen came under scrutiny answering questions about whether he needed to use TRT because of anabolic steroid use in his past. Sonnen replied under oath that he had never used steroids.

Sonnen will now meet Silva on July 7, 2012 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada in a rematch two years in the making

Think you know Frank Mir?

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight Champion Frank Mir will try to get his belt back in the main event of the UFC 146: "Dos Santos vs. Mir" pay-per-view (PPV) broadcast, scheduled for May 26, 2012 at the MGM Grand Garden Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

But he has to get through Junior dos Santos to do it.

FUEL TV and host Jon Anik caught up with the longtime mixed martial arts (MMA) veteran for its weekly "Ultimate Insider" special, where Mir breaks down everything from his family, his career and of course, banging it out against "Cigano."

In short, they get up close and personal.

You can too, by checking out all the relevant UFC 146 news, information and links in out comprehensive "Dos Santos vs. Mir" fight archive by clicking here. To check out the rest of the UFC 146 fight card and line up click here.

When an injury to UFC Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz saw Renan Barao promoted to an interim title bout against Urijah Faber, Ivan Menjivar (24-8) was briefly left without an opponent for UFC 148.

The Tristar Gym member, who currently boasts a three-fight win streak, didn’t have to wait long for a new opponent to step forward.UFC officials have announced that Mike Easton (12-1) will now step in to face “ The Pride of El Salvador.”

Easton, currently riding a seven-fight win streak, last stepped into the octagon at UFC on FX 1. In a wildly entertaining bout, the Alliance MMA product took home a majority decision victory against Jared Papazian.

While it’s unclear where on the card the bout will fall, both veterans of the sport will attempt to climb their way up the ladder in hopes of getting closer a title shot in the UFC’s deep 135 lbs. division.

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Mike Thomas Brown may be nearing the end of his career, but the former WEC featherweight champion may also have another title run left in him.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission met today to rule on whether Chael Sonnen would be granted a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for testosterone. The commission ruled that Sonnen would be granted a conditional TUE ahead of UFC 148.

The condition ruled that Sonnen will have to have additional testing the night after the fight. Sonnen will also be required to stop taking injections within a to be determined time period prior to the fight.

Chael Sonnen will face off against Anderson Silva in a rematch of their UFC 117 bout. Sonnen lost the first bout via triangle after dominating the entire fight. UFC 148 takes place July 7 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

MMAFrenzy.com

Turns out this town is big enough for the both of them after all.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight number one contender Chael Sonnen, who is scheduled to challenge Anderson Silva for the 185-pound title (again) at the upcoming UFC 148: "Silva vs. Sonnen II" pay-per-view (PPV) event on July 7, 2012 in Las Vegas, was granted a conditional Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) earlier today by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC).

But he will be subjected to a battery of blood tests before and after the Fourth of July weekend fight card to monitor his intramuscular injections, which he applies himself, twice a week. He will also be limited in how close to fight night he can administer his last injection prior to competing.

Sonnen, who reportedly suffers from hypogonadism (his nads are sperm challenged), was bagged and tagged by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) back in August 2010 for improperly disclosing his Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) prior to his first "Spider" fight in Oakland.

This time, apparently, his papers were (mostly) in order.

Sonnen was suspended by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) last year for fabricating testimony in a previous hearing while accounting for his failed drug test at UFC 117 -- not to mention his felony conviction in Oregon for money laundering.

Part of his defense strategy was dropping NSAC Executive Director Keith Kizer's name in reference to conversations they (never) had about policy and procedure as it related to his TRT.

Sonnen said today it was merely "bad information" from his ex-manager, but has since properly disclosed his TRT use (which began back in 2008) to athletic commissions prior to competing in the states of Illinois at UFC on FOX 2 and Texas at UFC 136. The NSAC has requested a copy of those disclosures as part of his conditional TUE.

He further stated, under oath, that he's never taken anabolic steroids.

Phase one of operation "Silva vs. Sonnen II" is now complete.

For more on his upcoming title fight against Anderson Silva at UFC 148 click here. To read more from his hearing today in front of the NSAC check out our live blog and real-time updates here.

With the recent arrest of Jon Jones for suspicion of DUI the MMA world has been reminded that its favorite athletes are far from perfect when it comes to behavior outside of the Octagon. In honor of Spike TV’s World’s Wildest Police Chases airing tonight (Monday May 21) at 11:00 PM, we wanted to look back on some of the wildest moments in MMA’s history featuring a police presence.

Quinton Jackson – July 2008

Fresh off losing his light heavyweight title to Forrest Griffin, “Rampage” lived up to his nickname by terrorizing the streets of Costa Mesa with his jacked-up truck. The cause of his behavior was said to be the result of delirium induced by a combination of staying up for an extended period of time without sleep and consuming nothing but energy drinks. He was charged with a number of felonies and misdemeanors though ultimately only plead guilty to one of each, served 200 hours of community service, and was back at it in the UFC shortly thereafter.

Brett Rogers – June 2011

Police responded to reports of a woman screaming at the former Strikeforce heavyweight’s house where he answered the door showing signs of intoxication and a physical confrontation. Rogers explained he and his wife had been fighting. What he left out was his wife’s missing tooth and badly swollen face which authorities later encountered after tracking her down. He also was stated to have choked her and done some of the damage in front of their children. Rogers ultimately plead guilty to third-degree assault, served sixty days in jail, forced to go to counseling, and was given three years probation.

Lee Murray – February 2006

One of the baddest dudes in MMA history, Murray was famously connected to one of the largest heists in European history with more than 50,000,000 pounds stolen and thrown in Moroccan jail where he sits to this day serving out a 25 year term. Adding to his original sentence, Murray was also busted attempting to escape prison.

Jason Miller – December 2005

Long before “Mayhem” Miller was putting his sister in headlocks or instigating in-ring brawls he was a rising star competing primarily in Hawaii who, according to the police report, decided to break into a house one morning and assault his ex-girlfriend’s new squeeze. However, Miller was eventually acquitted of all charges after the jury was convinced he’d only kicked her door open to wake her and was defending himself against the other male there rather than attacking him.

Jon Koppenhaver / War Machine – 2007 to Present

Koppenhaver’s troubles with the law have been well-documented given the numerous assault cases he’s been attached to including one involving an attack at a party composed of actors in the adult film industry. Seriously. Earlier this year War Machine got out of prison after serving a yearlong term, seemingly having his life turned around, but was thrown back in the hoosegow based on a probation violation occurring prior to his initial release. Still in jail, he is expected to serve another nine months.

Make sure to tune in tonight at 11:00 PM on Spike TV to see how common criminals react to their own run-ins with the law!

PHOTO CREDIT – Various Police Stations/UFC