By FCF Staff
It would appear as though Chael Sonnen will not be returning to the Octagon as soon as expected. Following news this week that the middleweight contender has pleaded guilty to money laundering and will likely receive two years probation for the crime, TMZ is reporting that the UFC has temporarily frozen Sonnen’s contract.
According to TMZ, UFC President Dana White informed the media outlet that "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."
No specific information as to the length of Sonnen’s suspension was given.
The Oregon native is expected to be sentenced in March for his involvement in the money laundering case, which in addition to the expected two years probation, Sonnen will reportedly pay a $10,000 fine and has agreed to give up his realtor’s license.
Sonnen was widely expected to return to the Octagon as early as March, after the outspoken fighter had his one year suspension from the California State Athletic Commission reduced to six months. Sonnen tested positive for elevated testosterone levels last summer, after being submitted by Anderson Silva in August, but recently appealed the ruling by arguing that a medical condition he has requires testosterone treatments.
The accomplished wrestler’s MMA record currently stands at 25-11-1.
