Alistair Overeem's Next Fight Set, Top Female Contender Returns, Chael Sonnen Update
- Retired UFC title contender Chael Sonnen will not fight the complaints filed against him by the Nevada Athletic Commission for multiple failed drug tests. Sonnen faces a fine and likely suspension for the matter, which saw an end to his fighting career and broadcasting duties with FOX Sports.
In a report by MMAjunkie.com, Sonnen's representative, Jeff Myer, asked the NAC to take into consideration Sonnen's willingness to help with random testing and his honest, stating, "Sonnen did not compete while on the banned substances."
Sonnen was scheduled to face Vitor Belfort after Wanderlei Silva was removed from the fight for declining to take a random drug test. Following the first report of failing an earlier test, Sonnen stepped away from the sport. It was later reported that he also tested positive for banned substances during a second test.
- Former Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem will return to action this September at UFC Fight Night 50, taking on Ben Rothwell. The bout was first reported by FOXSports.com.
Overeem (37-13) earned a win over Frank Mir recently, but has been on the sidelines since due to a number of nagging injuries. He was forced to undergo surgery, but is now 2-2 in his four Octagon appearances. Rothwell (33-9) sports a 3-3 UFC mark and is also returning after a layoff due to a suspension for having elevated levels of testosterone.
The card goes down September 5 from Connecticut and will air opposite Bellator 123 that night, which is also slated for Connecticut. Other fights for the UFC card include Gegard Mousasi-Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza and Derrick Lewis-Matt Mitrione.
- Following a lengthy sit on the sidelines due to knee surgery and the loss of her husband, Cat Zingano will need to prove her standing in the UFC's female bantamweight division with a win. Zingano will meet Amanda Nunes at UFC 178, according to a report by Yahoo! Sports.
Zingano (8-0) scored a shot at Ronda Rousey for the title last year after defeating Miesha Tate, but an injury in training put her on the shelf. She has also been dealing with the suicide of her husband and coach, Mauricio Zingano, since January. Nunes (9-3) holds a 2-0 Octagon mark.
The event is expected to include the rematch between light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson, along with the return of Dominick Cruz, as he takes on Takeya Mizugaki.