“I had pneumonia and a fever,” Liddell said.

The fighter said he was out late, then took the prescription sleeping pill Lunesta and an over-the-counter dose of Nyquil before waking early to make the television appearance, which can be viewed on YouTube.

“I needed six to eight hours of sleep and only got three,” Liddell said. “They should’ve never got me out of bed.”

A random drug test by the Nevada State Athletic Commission was administered shortly after the thereafter. Keith Kizer, executive officer of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, said Liddell passed the drug test.

"He’s been tested several times and has never ran afoul of our tests,” Kizer said. “Chuck was in a weird state on that show. I don’t blame people for being concerned about him, but he silenced his critics."