Chael Sonnen vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama Expected at UFC 128
Amid legal allegations of money laundering and coming off suspension for steroids use, Cheal Sonnen hopes he finally sees the light at the end of the tunnel. The former middleweight contender will look to turn his long streak of bad luck around when he takes on Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 128.
Following his loss to Middleweight champion Anderson Silva, Sonnen’s post fight drug test results came back showing elevated levels of testosterone. After handling the matter in court, Sonnen’s sentence was reduced to six months by the California State Athletic Commission. Then, just when we thought his troubles were over, news broke Monday evening that the Oregon native had pleaded guilty in Federal Court for money laundering. Although he is not expected to face jail time, he is likely to be faced with probation. Sonnen will look to put all these legal matters behind him when he steps back inside the cage this March.
Similar to Sonnen, Akiyama has had his own troubles in the past months, though they have been troubles inside the Octagon. Since making his UFC debut, Akiyama has put together a 1-2 record within the promotion. Most recently he dropped a unanimous decision to Michael Bisping. During his run in the UFC, the former K-1 star has yet to put on a stellar performance. Another loss could mean the end of “Sexyama”.
UFC 128 will take place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on March 19. Headlining the card will be Mauricio “Shogun” Rua defending his UFC Light Heavyweight Championship against Rashad Evans.
[Update] According to MMA fighting Dana White has “frozen” the contract of Chael Sonnen while he gets his life back in order. So this once rumored fight has now officially been squashed, for now.
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