Chael Sonnen’s MMA Suspension Expires In May 2012

Initial reports from yesterday's hearing with UFC middleweight Chael Sonnen in front of the California State Athletic Commission indicated the fighter would be have his indefinite suspension upheld until June 29, 2011. At that point, so we were told, Sonnen would be able to reapply for a license, although there would be no guarantee the commission would approve the request. Today we learn from ESPN's Josh Gross that Sonnen's suspension runs much longer. In fact, a full calendar year with yesterday's hearing as the starting point:

If and when Sonnen does reapply for a license in the Golden State, Dodd said, he would have to show the commission proof of his rehabilitation, much like Josh Barnett was asked to do in his recent CSAC hearing.

"[Sonnen] is going to have to show that he's done something to promote the sport, promote goodwill," Dodd said. "He does a lot of good things already. He talks to kids and stuff like that about making right decisions. But he's going to have to show that he's making the right decisions as well. You can say it, but you have to make those decisions yourself."

As for Sonnen's use of testosterone, Dodd said a therapeutic use exemption is still not out of the question, but the fighter would have to go through the proper channels first.

"What would happen is he would...request it through the athletic commission. The commission would probably request that the medical advisory committee review it. The medical advisory committee would review it and then make a recommendation back to the commission whether or not to approve or disapprove."