Chael Sonnen’s Meeting with Nevada Commission Delayed, No New Date Scheduled

Chael Sonnen at Dec. 2 hearing before CSAC

Chael Sonnen’s return to action will take a little bit longer than expected.

The middleweight contender was set to meet with the Nevada State Athletic Commission on April 27 to try and clear up a few issues and ask for re-licensing in the state, but a delay will force the meeting back to May.

Nevada State Athletic Commission Director Keith Kizer confirmed to MMAWeekly.com on Wednesday that Sonnen’s hearing had been pushed back until at least May, but there is no date for when he will appear.

Sonnen’s manager Mike Roberts also confirmed on Wednesday that his fighter will not be present at the April 27 meeting, but he is looking forward to meeting with the commission as soon as possible to deal with the situation.

The delay stems from Sonnen’s probation from the Federal money laundering case he was dealing with, according to a report from MMAJunkie.com. A motorcycle rally is being held in Nevada during the time of the commission meeting. A mandate reportedly denies convicted felons entry into the Clark County, where the hearing would take place, during the rally. In compliance with his court ordered probation, Sonnen is not allowed in Clark County during that time.

Sonnen has been out of action since UFC 117 last August when he came within half a round of defeating UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva.

Following that fight it’s been a tumultuous time for Sonnen dealing with a suspension from the California State Athletic Commission, a conviction stemming from a Federal money laundering charge, and now waiting to meet with the Nevada State Athletic Commission to clear things up with them.

Until things are concluded with the Nevada State Athletic Commission, Sonnen will remain on the sidelines out of fight action.

Damon Martin is the lead staff writer and radio host for MMAWeekly.com.
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