Former three-time UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen is retired from cage fighting, but planned on staying active by doing things such as Metamoris 4 – a non-sanctioned jiu-jitsu event.
However, apparently that doesn’t fit in with the plans of the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
Bleacher Report’s Jeremy Botter tweeted Monday afternoon that the commission would fine Sonnen $250,000 for each banned substance (five) he tested positive for in recent memory.
Needless to say, Sonnen’s camp was not thrilled with the decision since “The American Gangster” was set to headline the Metamoris 4 against Andre Galvao, which takes place on Saturday.
In the past, athletic commissions typically only oversee combat sports such as boxing, kickboxing and MMA – not Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Popular MMA Twitter personality Front Row Brian, a known friend of Sonnen, indicated that his pal would be willing to compete in the no-gi contest for free in order to fulfill his obligation to the organization without being fined by the NSAC.
Sonnen was issued a two-year suspension from the NSAC last week after failing drug tests for performance-enhancing drugs such as EPO and human growth hormone.
Is the NSAC taking a hard but fair approach with Sonnen or is the commission clearly overstepping their boundaries here?