MMA fans were not surprised when UFC middleweight fighter Chael Sonnen sent a letter to matchmaker Joe Silva challenging Michael Bisping for a fight after the latter’s controversial win over Jorge Rivera. However, Sonnen can’t just return to the octagon and fight any fighter that he wants to brawl with. He still needs to re-apply for a license after he was suspended by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) for testing positive for steroids.

Sonnen was originally sanctioned with a 1-year suspension after the UCLA Olympic drug-testing lab found in his A and B samples an elevated level of steroid after his fight against Anderson Silva. The fighter appealed the case and successfully convinced the CSAC about his medical condition. Sonnen argued that he was under Testosterone Replacement Therapy. But the main problem was he did not filed for exemption and failed to follow protocols. He was just lucky that the board reduced the suspension to 6 months but the monetary penalty still remains.

According to CSAC, the suspension on Chael Sonnen ended March 3 and can fight again in California provided he complies with the requirements. George Dodd, the chief commissioner of CSAC told MMA Fighting that Sonnen should appear before the commission if he wants to fight in the state. “If Mr. Sonnen wants to be licensed here in California, he will have to appear before the commission to regain his license. Every other state will have to make a determination on their process for licensing [him],” said Dodd.

The career of the MMA fighter-politician-realtor is marred by controversies and legal turmoil. He gave up his political endeavor last year and was involved in a realty scam. He recently pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering which can lead to 2 years probation. Sonnen also agreed to pay $10,000 fine and forfeit his Realtor’s license.

Sonnen likes to be in the limelight. His recent email to UFC matchmaker Joe Silva is an example of how the former middleweight contender captures the attention of the media and the MMA fans. Though he might have a tainted reputation, a challenge like this can influence the UFC to give in. This could help promote the match up. Let’s just wait if UFC president Dana White will give Sonnen a dramatic comeback.

The supposed rematch between Sonnen and Silva was cancelled because of the steroid suspension. Instead, the middleweight champion fought Vitor Belfort at UFC 126 last February 5 in Las Vegas. Silva won the match.

Meanwhile, Michael Bisping defeated Jorge Rivera in the second round at the UFC 127 held in Sydney, Australia. Bisping’s win over Rivera caught the attention of Sonnen. Bisping used an illegal knee in the first round which then led to the defeat of the “El Conquistador.” But winning the match did not stop Bisping in showing his anger against his rival. He yelled at Rivera’s face and spat at the corner men of Rivera after the conclusion of the fight.

Here’s a quote of the email sent by Sonnen as published in Fighters.com.

“If you get a chance to talk with him, please mention to your idiot-in-residence Michael Spitsbing it’ll be a little tougher to knee ME in the head when I’m charging at him like a runaway train and mincing him through the fence like a boiled potato, should we ever have the pleasure of each other’s company for a few (VERY few) moments in the Octagon.

Oh; and I’d suggest to him being a little careful about spitting on any of MY cornermen, since any one of them can beat him up as badly as I can. Thanks ever so much.
Hope all is well.

-Chael Sonnen”

Michael Bisping’s reaction to this email is something that everybody wants to know soon. A match up between Chael Sonnen vs. Michael Bisping will definitely become a sure hit.

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