Chael Sonnen scratches head over NSAC's Diaz call, but has no doubts on Rousey

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Chael Sonnen is no stranger to dealing with the Nevada State Athletic Commission, so naturally the three-time UFC title challenger has an opinion about the body’s recent treatment of Nick Diaz.

Diaz on Monday was suspended for five years by the NSAC following his third alleged infraction for marijuana in the state. For the 31-year-old former Strikeforce welterweight champion, the lengthy ban isn’t quite an MMA death sentence, but it certainly sent a major message.

And that was a message that many in the sport have been outspoken against, with a belief that Diaz’s pot use isn’t on par with other performance-enhancing drug users, and that the NSAC’s punishment may have been more about who it was punishing than the actual crime.

Sonnen is a little more than a year into a two-year suspension by the NSAC for testing positive for banned substances. Prior to that penalty, he retired from the sport.

On Wednesday, in the Phoenix area ahead of Friday’s WSOF 23 event, where he’ll be part of the broadcast team. Sonnen told MMAjunkie the punishment seemed harsh coming from the NSAC.

“I can only tell you from my perspective,” he said. “Every time I went before them, I got bad news. Every time. And every time, they were fair. I was objective enough to know I’m wrong. I’m powerless, and I’m wrong. And they treated me fair. I never got news that I wanted, but it was fair.

“I can go through the history of that commission, and fair is one word I’d use to describe them. They’ve always been very reasonable and understanding. But the Diaz situation, that’s the head scratcher.”

Sonnen said he believes the five-year penalty won’t stick, ultimately – but that it will take Diaz going back in with some form of contrition.

Sonnet also said Ronda Rousey’s opinion on Diaz was one that proves she’s a “gangster” who doesn’t like to see her friends crossed.

Check out the video interview above.

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