Chael Sonnen
Chael Sonnen has been suspended by the UFC
The Ultimate Fighting Championship has suspended Chael Sonnen in wake of the middleweight contender’s guilty plea to federal money laundering charges.
UFC president Dana White told TMZ.com that Sonnen’s contract with the Las Vegas-based fight promotion has been “frozen.”
The move is temporary to allow the Oregonian to focus on getting his personal life in order before returning to fighting.
“Chael Sonnen has gone through a lot in the last few months and we think it’s important for him to focus on getting his personal life together before focusing on his career in the UFC,” said White.
“I spoke with Chael earlier today and he agrees that setting priorities in his life is the best thing for him right now,” added the UFC president. “I sincerely hope Chael is able to straighten out his personal life.”
Sonnen’s reported UFC 128 bout with Yoshihiro Akiyama will not be happening.
Sonnen is currently serving out a suspension from fighting for testing positive to elevated levels of testosterone during a pre-fight drug screening for his UFC 117 title bout with Anderson Silva in August.
The 33-year old athlete reportedly worked a plea deal in the money laundering case to forfeit his realtor’s license, pay a $10,000 fine and be placed on two years probation. His official sentencing will come down on March 28.