Recently-retired Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) star, Chael Sonnen, is still scheduled to compete against Andre Galvao in the Metamoris 4 main event this weekend (Sat., Aug. 9, 2014) from Petersen Automotive Museum (Second Floor) in Los Angeles, California.
However, Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) is attempting to block "American Gangster" from competing in the Brazilian jiu-jitsu exhibition match, threatening to fine him $250,000 per failed drug test if he steps on the mat.
That's a potentially enormous fine.
So enormous, in fact, that Sonnen is reportedly searching for a potential back up plan in case NSAC doesn't call off its hounds. And he's reached out to a familiar face, according to Sherdog.com, asking his old friend and former UFC champion, Randy Couture, to wait on stand by.
Unfortunately, "The Natural," 51 -- who once dueled jiu-jitsu ace Ronaldo Souza to a scoreless draw in a Professional Submission League grappling match back in 2006 -- has previous obligations that will prevent him from even entertaining the idea.
From the report:
"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."
To check out the complete Metamoris 4 fight card and odds, which (for now) includes Sonnen in the main event, click here. And to watch the video trailer for the upcoming show click here.
Of course, keep it glued to MMAmania.com for more on this developing story in the coming days ... if not hours.