• UFC

Bisping fight moves closer as Sonnen gets probation

ESPN staff
April 8, 2011
Chael Sonnen can finally think about fighting again © UFC
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A potential showdown between Michael Bisping and Chael Sonnen moved a step closer on Friday after the American was sentenced for a guilty plea relating to a money laundering case.

Sonnen's contract has been frozen by the UFC since he pleaded guilty on January 4, with a possible prison sentence one of the punishments he could have been handed by the US District Court.

However, MMA Fighting reports that US attorney's office spokesperson Gerri Badden revealed Sonnen was sentenced to 24 months probation on Friday, as well as receiving a $10,000 fine. The middleweight has also forfeited his real estate license.

Now that the case is over, Sonnen can begin to think about a return to the Octagon, where he established himself as No. 1 contender in the UFC middleweight division by coming within two minutes of beating champion Anderson Silva.

Sonnen's name has been heavily linked to Britain's Michael Bisping, with a mooted rivalry on season 14 of The Ultimate Fighter in the pipeline. First Sonnen must earn back his fighter's license, something he lost when failing to provide the correct medical information prior to the Silva fight.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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