Chael Sonnen’s headlining match-up with Andre Galvao at the Metamoris 4 grappling event this coming Saturday night is reported to be in jeopardy as the Nevada State Athletic Commission have threatened to fine him heavily if he takes part.
The recently retired Sonnen was handed a two year suspension from fighting by NSAC at a hearing last month after failing two separate drugs tests earlier this year. He avoided a fine on top of that, but only on the condition that he agreed not to compete anywhere else for the length of his suspension.
According to MMAjunkie.com, the NSAC wrote to Sonnen last week to inform him that the Metamoris event fell under that stipulation in their eyes and warned him that he faced a $250,000 fine for each of his prior drug violations if he ompetes at the show.
Sonnen is believed to be arguing that since grappling is a different sport from MMA and not considered combat, together with the fact that Metamorsis isn’t sanctioned by a commission, that he should still be able to compete there without breaking the terms of the agreement he has with the NSAC.
As such, Sonnen’s lawyer has sent a response to the NSAC questioning their definition of the term, “competing”.
The event is now just five days away and as things stand Sonnen Vs Galvao is still expected to front the show from Los Angeles.
A live stream of the event, which will also feature Josh Barnett Vs Dean Lister amongst other match-ups, is available to purchase from the Metamoris.com website.
