UFC president Dana White is never shy of sharing his opinion and, because of that, it has brought him a fair share of criticism and appeal.
White spoke with MMAHeavy.com this week on various topics revolving around mixed martial arts, including the recent suspension of UFC middleweight, Chael Sonnen.
The outspoken boss said he felt the whole situation regarding Sonnen was dealt poorly.
“You’ve heard me say it for almost 11 years, we always support what the athletic commission says, but this kid got it stuck to him,” White said.
“He’s paid his dues in every way, shape and form, and I think he’s been treated a bit unfairly.”
Sonnen’s career and personal life have been in a whirlwind since his loss to UFC middleweight champion, Anderson Silva, last year at UFC 117. Sonnen tested positive for high levels of testosterone found in his system and he was charged with money laundering from a local real estate agency in his hometown of Oregon.
While appearing in front of the California State Athletic Commission last week, Sonnen was hoping that his fighting career would resume and he could get retain his license. Sonnen took to his Twitter account to stir up attention, as he announced that he would retire if his license wasn’t renewed.
White clarified Sonnen’s comment and said that retirement was not necessarily the case, but rather he missed his opportunity to compete for a title shot, again.
“This kid had the opportunity to coach The Ultimate Fighter, he had the opportunity to get a big fight set up. Should he win that fight, everybody knows what happened with Anderson Silva,” he said.
“This was a key moment in this kid’s career.”
Heavy.com also reports that Sonnen is eligible to reapply for his license on June 29, just when his current license expires. However, he must appear before the CSAC and apply, but if he is denied, he will have to sit out another year, thus all but guaranteeing a middleweight title shot.
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