Chael Sonnen’s manager expects him to return to the octagon before the end of 2011
Mike Roberts, the manager of former UFC middleweight contender, Chael Sonnen has revealed his client should be back in action before the end of the year as he attempts to put straight his personal affairs after being suspended by the Las Vegas based promotion.
Speaking via MMAFighting.com, Sonnen said:
“[Sonnen] was never suspended. Dana just thought it would be in Chael’s best interest to get his life together and get everything cleared up in his personal life, that when he comes back to fight, it’s going to be all about the fight.”
“I can’t talk anything on the legal stuff honestly, I’m not his lawyer, I have nothing to do that. All that stuff is being worked out, but no, I don’t think you’ll see him in jail, but all that stuff is still being worked out.
When asked when we might see the Team Quest fighter return from injury, Roberts said:
“I would hope this year, but time will tell. This will be up to Chael as to when that’s going to happen. His career is not over. It’s far from over, I can promise you that. This is just going to get Chael more time to get better and when he comes back he’s going to be coming back with full intention of getting that belt.”
Sonnen was originally due to face middleweight champion, Anderson Silva in an immediate rematch after almost winning the title over the summer, only to be hit by a suspension for steroids. After reducing his sentence to six months on appeal Sonnen was due to take on Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 128 in March before federal forces issued charges against the fighter.
By Michael Pepper. (Follow me on Twitter)
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