In an article last week, this writer broke the news that UFC middleweight contender Chael Sonnen had his fighter’s license suspended by the state of California.
May 18 was the day of the hearing, and things did not go favorably for “Uncle Chael.”
ESPN’s Josh Gross kept fans up to date via his Twitter feed, and there were quite a few interesting developments.
At the hearing, Sonnen confirmed rumors that the UFC asked him to coach opposite Michael Bisping on season 14 of the show. Sonnen said UFC would give him a job 18 days from now. “A once in a lifetime opportunity to be a coach on The Ultimate Fighter,” he confirmed.
Additionally, he clarified that if things panned out, the season finale would see Sonnen take on Bisping in a No. 1 contender fight for the middleweight title.
Bisping chimed in on the matter via his Twitter page, and despite Sonnen calling him out not too long ago, “The Count” actually showed sympathy for Sonnen:
“Gutted for chael sonnen, people make mistakes. He paid his dues and should be allowed to continue with his career. Real shame for the guy.”
The British middleweight added “I did wanna fight him,as it would of been awesome, and a no1 contender matchup, but my own personal wants aside, I do truly feel for the guy.”
The first shocking moment from the hearing came when Sonnen stated, “If I don’t get my license today I’m effectively retired. That came from the boss, Dana White.”
A visibly emotional Sonnen continued, “I worked for this chance my whole life. I don’t want to retire today.”
After hearing statements from the crowd—which included Sonnen’s mother—the commission passed a 4-1 motion made by State Athletic Commissioner Gene Hernandez to uphold Sonnen’s indefinite suspension.
Sonnen’s attorney, Steve Thompson, blamed the misunderstandings between the commission and Sonnen primarily on former manager Matt Linland. Thompson also played up how passionate the UFC was in giving Sonnen another chance, with a coaching position on TUF and a No. 1 contender fight on the line.
Sonnen stressed the fact that he needs testosterone therapy for his “survival,” and that he has the testosterone levels of a “93-year-old man.”
All arguments seemed to fall on deaf ears.
Sonnen cannot apply for another license in the state of California until June 29th of 2012, and is all but guaranteed to not get his suspension uplifted in the state of Nevada now.
Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director Keith Kizer was one of the men who testified. He again reiterated his position that he never talked to Sonnen regarding the therapeutic exemption of testosterone replacement therapy.
Neither the UFC nor Chael Sonnen has released an official statement on the matter yet, but this article will provide updates as they occur.
UPDATE: 5:24pm ET Michael Bisping’s Twitter comments about the matter have been added.
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