CSAC Halves Sonnen’s Suspension, Grants Barnett Continuance

The California State Athletic Commission on Thursday voted 3-1 to reduce Chael Sonnen’s one-year suspension to six months while upholding a fine of $2,500.

The 3-1 vote came after a motion to uphold the original year-long suspension failed on a vote of 2-2. Sonnen -- who tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone following his Aug. 7 UFC middleweight title bout with Anderson Silva -- was present at the hearing and spoke at length on the suspension and his diagnosed condition of hypergonadism.

In another high-profile matter on the CSAC’s docket, former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett’s quest for relicensure in California was once again delayed. Following some confusion -- which centered around Barnett being unable to prove “rehabilitation” following his July 2009 steroid suspension -- the fighter was granted a continuance by the commission in order to attend a future meeting with legal counsel present. The CSAC’s next meeting is scheduled for February 2011.

Chris Nelson contributed to this report