The Ultimate Fighting Championship has suspended middleweight fighter Chael Sonnen over the money laundering scandal that broke on Monday.
UFC president Dana White spoke to TMZ about the situation noting that the fighters contract was “temporarily frozen.”
This likely means that Sonnen will not be facing Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 128, which was announced on Monday.
In a press release from the District Attorney’s Office, Sonnen pled guilty to charges of money laundering from a mortgage fraud incident dating back in 2006 that saw a homebuyer receive a $65,000 kickback for purchasing a home through the fighter.
White told TMZ:
“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. I spoke with Chael earlier today and he agrees that setting priorities in his life is the best thing for him right now. I sincerely hope Chael is able to straighten out his personal life.”
The website noted that due to Sonnen’s plea, the fighter is likely looking two years of probation and a $10,000 fine.