UFC
UFC NEWS: Chael Sonnen's UFC contract "frozen" following money laundering conviction; Dana White says he needs to get personal life together
Jan 4, 2011 - 5:05:21 PM UFC NEWS: Chael Sonnen's UFC contract "frozen" following money laundering conviction; Dana White says he needs to get personal life together

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

The UFC has suspended middleweight Chael Sonnen in the wake of his guilty plea this week to money laundering in connection to the sale of home in 2006, according to TMZ.com.

Per the TMZ report, UFC President Dana White confirmed that they have "frozen" Sonnen's contract. White commented on Sonnen, and said the middleweight needs to get his personal life in order before returning to action.

"Chael Sonnen has gone through a lot in the last few months and we think it's important for him to focus on getting his personal life together before focusing on his career in the UFC," White said.

"I spoke with Chael earlier today and he agrees that setting priorities in his life is the best thing for him right now. I sincerely hope Chael is able to straighten out his personal life."

Sonnen had been reportedly penciled in for a bout with Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 128, but that bout will no longer be coming to fruition, and there's no timetable on how long Sonnen's contract will be frozen.

Link to TMZ.com story

Penick's Analysis: This latest development isn't surprising. From the steroid issue to this money laundering case, Sonnen's been digging himself deeper and deeper, and while the UFC may have been able to sell his return, his trash talking may have gotten tempered with the criticisms he'd likely receive upon his return. How long the UFC decides to keep him on the sidelines is anyone's guess, but it's clear enough damage has been done over the last few months that the rematch with Anderson Silva is completely out of view.