Dana White: Facing too many problems, Chael Sonnen unlikely to coach “TUF 14”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chael Sonnen may end up being a coach on “The Ultimate Fighter 14,” but as of now, it’s not looking likely.

UFC president Dana White today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) no decisions have been made about the head-coaching slots for the show, which debuts in September on Spike TV.

But White also said Sonnen “has a ton of problems” to deal with, which makes a rumored “TUF 14” coaching slot against Michael Bisping unlikely.

The “Wrestling Observer” recently reported that UFC officials have explored the possibility of the polarizing Sonnen and Bisping as coaches for the upcoming season, which is the first to feature bantamweight and featherweight fighters. Production begins this summer.

However, due to his failed drug test at UFC 117 (due to elevated testosterone levels), Sonnen recently concluded a six-month suspension he received from the California State Athletic Commission. However, he still has a sentencing date after pleading guilty to a federal money-laundering charge as part of a 2006 real-estate deal. (At Friday’s upcoming sentencing hearing, he’s expected to receive two years of probation, a $10,000 fine and the revocation of his real-estate license.)

Sonnen also would need to deal with the Nevada State Athletic Commission and get re-licensed before he could coach on “TUF.” During his CSAC hearing back in December, Sonnen claimed that NSAC executive director Keith Kizer was aware of and approved the fighter’s past testosterone-replacement therapy (TRT) during his fights in the state. Sonnen said the same therapy caused his failed CSAC test.

Kizer has denied those claims and said he’s never spoken to Sonnen about TRT. (Kizer wasn’t available for comment when contacted today by MMAjunkie.com.)

UFC officials ultimately “froze” Sonnen’s contract in the wake of the real-estate charges, and the fighter has turned down most interview requests since news broke.

White admits the NSAC issue could be a problem for any coaching plans. He confirmed he recently met with Kizer to discuss Sonnen’s situation but didn’t divulge details of the outcome.

As of now, though, White said no decisions have been made about the coaching slots.

“We have no clue who will coach; Chael has a ton of problems (right now),” White said.

UFC 132: @wandfc vs. Chris Leben

@wandfc (above) will fight Chris Leben at UFC 132

 

Former PRIDE champion @wandfc  (33-10-1) will face Chris Leben (25-7) in a middleweight bout at UFC 132 on July 2 in Las Vegas.

The promotion made the announcement on April 4 on UFC.com.

After ruling the Japanese circuit at light heavyweight for years, Silva lost his last two fights in PRIDE and went 1-2 in the UFC at 205, dropping fights to Chuck Liddell and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson with a win over Keith Jardine in between. He then began the cut to 185, first losing a close decision to Rich Franklin at a 195 catchweight bout and beating Michael Bisping in his first middleweight contest.

Due to injury, Silva hasn’t competed since the February 2010 win over Bisping.

Leben had put together a three fight win streak following consecutive losses to Michael Bisping and Jake Rosholt. However, his win streak came to an end against Brian Stann at UFC 125, where he suffered just the second KO/TKO loss of his career.

Last days to compete in New York by @graciemag

Pimenta’s one who’ll be there in NY. Photo: Dan Rod.

 

Sign-ups for the New York International Open carry on full blast. The IBJJF event set for April 16 promises great matches.

“Now the Pan’s done, I’m going to compete in New York. I’m going with the folks at GFTeam here to do another IBJJF tourney,” says Denílson Pimenta, who was runner-up in the lightweight division at the Pan in the masters category and closed out the absolute with his friend Theodoro Canal.

The deadline for the final is April 9. To find out more and participate, click  here.