Chael Sonnen Will Fight at UFC Fight Night 26; Commission Votes Unanimously to Grant License
Chael Sonnen, as expected, will be fighting Mauricio “Shogun” Rua in the UFC Fight Night 26 main event next week in Boston.
Sonnen cleared his final hurdle on Thursday when the Massachusetts State Athletic Commission voted unanimously to license him for the fight. The decision came after the commission’s Medical Advisory Board reviewed Sonnen’s physical condition and medical information.
Mike Roberts of MMA Inc., Sonnen’s manager, had told MMAWeekly.com after meeting with the commission earlier in the day that it appeared “likely” that Sonnen would be granted a license.
Massachusetts Department of Public Safety spokesperson Terrel Harris on Thursday informed MMAWeekly.com of the commission’s approval.
Unite Here, a faction of the Culinary Union, that has long been battling the UFC’s continued expansion efforts, filed a complaint against Sonnen stemming from his January 2011 money laundering conviction. Unite Here was trying to stymie Sonnen’s attempt to gain licensure, but that bid failed as well.
“The State Athletic Commission voted unanimously to license Chael Sonnen in Massachusetts for the Ultimate Fight Championship contest scheduled for Aug. 17, 2013, in Boston,” Harris told MMAWeekly.com. “The decision followed the recommendation of their Medical Advisory Board which considered Sonnen’s physical condition and medical information.
“The Commission also considered complaints regarding his reputation and character, but concluded no information the Commission received should preclude Sonnen’s licensure.”
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