Retired UFC fighter Chael Sonnen was recently suspended for two years following two separate PED tests which came back positive . Sonnen tested positive for EPO and human growth hormone along with estrogen blocking drugs.
Now according to journalist Jeremy Botter (as reported, via Twitter) the suspension also includes a Metamoris grappling event against Andre Galvao. Metamoris is set for this weekend August 9th.
According to MMA Junkie, the NSAC informed Sonnen last week and the now the retired MMA fighter is seeking legal action. If the fight is cancelled, it would be a disaster for Metamoris as this bout was the main event. They would be forced to secure another exciting on a few days notice.
It seems that Sonnen has contacted his ex training partner at Team Quest, former heavyweight and light heavyweight UFC champion, Randy Couture, to fill in for him vs Andre Galvao. Couture competed a few years ago in a grappling tournament vs Jacare Souza and was not submitted. The fight was declared a draw.
Sherdog.com reported the story:
“As of Tuesday, Metamoris officials told Sherdog.com that they still expect Sonnen to compete on Saturday. However, Randy Couture’s manager, Sam Spira, revealed that Sonnen reached out to “The Natural” about taking his main event spot if he was forced to pull out.
Due to previous obligations, which include an “Expendables 3” press junket on Saturday and Sunday and the Los Angeles premiere of the film on Monday — as well a “Gym Rescue” premiere on Sunday — Couture simply could not clear his schedule enough to compete at Metamoris in place of Sonnen .
“If there had been more time, and no pending obligations, it might have happened,” Spira said.
Couture has not competed in the Octagon since 2011, but he holds a “no-gi” black belt, which he was awarded following his win over James Toney at UFC 118 by jiu-jitsu instructor Neil Melanson. Couture also battled decorated jiu-jitsu practitioner Ronaldo Souza to a draw in a submission wrestling contest in 2006.”
Check out the grappling match Randy Couture vs Ronaldo Jacare Souza from back in 2006:
