Known for his controversial statements and classic fight against Anderson Silva, the american Chael Sonnen his career as a professional athlete is threatened. The fighter, who was caught taking a doping test at UFC 117, received a six-month suspension and had his sentence ended in March of this year. However, this Wednesday, the California State Athletic Commission decided, by four votes to one, to maintain the American fighter's suspension for an indefinite period. As a result, Chael will only be able to appeal and request a new license to fight from June 29, 2012. The defeat in the trial should spell the end of Sonnen's career, who stated his intention to retire if he was not cleared to return to fighting. still this year.
Chael Sonnen went to the trial, this Wednesday, accompanied by his mother, who testified in his favor, and claimed that he was considered to be a coach on the next The Ultimate Fighter, the UFC reality show, alongside Michael Bisping and that both would fight to define the next challenger for the UFC middleweight title. But the executive director of the California Athletic Commission, Keith Kizer, stated that the American was not sincere in his testimony and even cited the lawsuit filed by the athlete for money laundering as an additional “the athlete’s conduct is not fair.”
Understand the case
– August 2010: At UFC 117, Chael Sonnen faced Anderson Silva for the organization's middleweight belt. In an epic fight, the North American dominated the Brazilian during the first four rounds and had a wide advantage in the fifth and final round. But with just over a minute left in the duel, Anderson landed a beautiful triangle and ended the fight in spectacular fashion.
– September 2010: The California State Athletic Commission released the results of the drug test carried out by Chael Sonnen at UFC 117. The fighter was caught with a high level of testosterone in his urine. As a result, the athlete was preventively suspended for 12 months and received a fine of US$2,5 (around R$4,5).
– January 2011: Sonnen is accused by the United States Court of money laundering. The fighter takes the blame and has his UFC contract frozen
– January 2011: Chael Sonnen He managed to reduce his suspension to six months with the Athletic Commission.
– March 2011: The six-month suspension comes to an end and Sonnen is free to return to action
– April 2011: Chael Sonnen He was convicted by the United States Court for money laundering. The athlete was fined US$10 (approximately R$15,6) and two terms of imprisonment, but is currently being released.
– April 2011: Due to the legal problems and possible falsehoods during the appeal process, which reduced the sentence, the Athletic Commission requests a new trial for Chael Sonnen
- May 2011: Sonnen is tried again and has a new indefinite suspension, and the fighter will only be able to seek a new license to return to combat in June of next year.
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