Chael Sonnen has resolved the criminal case arising from an alleged hotel altercation in 2021.
According to the Las Vegas Review Journal, the 46-year-old Sonnen pleaded no contest to a single misdemeanor charge of breaching the peace. He was subsequently fined $750 in Clark County (Nev.) Justice Court. There has been no immediate comment from Sonnen’s criminal attorney, Dayvid Figler, or from Sonnen himself.
Initially, Sonnen faced more severe charges, including a felony charge of battery by strangulation and 10 misdemeanor battery charges. The incident allegedly occurred at the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas on December 18, 2021. Sonnen was accused of assaulting a couple and engaging in a physical altercation with security guards and hotel employees who intervened. Although not arrested on the night of the incident, Sonnen was charged when the alleged victims filed a civilian complaint.
As part of a plea deal, prosecutors dropped four of the misdemeanor charges, and an additional four charges were dismissed. ESPN.com reports that no conditions were imposed on Sonnen in connection with the plea deal, effectively closing the criminal case.
However, Sonnen still faces two civil lawsuits related to the alleged assault. One lawsuit comes from Dr. Christopher Stellpflug and Julie Stellpflug, who claim that Sonnen, a three-time UFC title challenger and MMA commentator, assaulted them while seemingly intoxicated after slapping a drink out of Christopher Stellpflug’s hand. The second lawsuit involves a former employee of the Four Seasons Hotel who alleges being punched in the jaw during the incident.
Following the incident, Sonnen was suspended by UFC broadcast partner ESPN. He currently fulfills the role of a press conference host for Bellator and BKFC, in addition to managing a popular YouTube page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about plea deal, hotel fight case
What were the charges against Chael Sonnen in the hotel fight case?
Chael Sonnen initially faced a felony charge of battery by strangulation and 10 misdemeanor battery charges stemming from an alleged assault at the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas.
What was the outcome of the criminal case?
Chael Sonnen reached a plea deal in the criminal case. He pleaded no contest to a single misdemeanor charge of breaching the peace and was fined $750. Four misdemeanor charges were dropped, and another four were dismissed as part of the plea deal. The criminal case is now closed.
Is Chael Sonnen still facing legal consequences?
Yes, Chael Sonnen still faces two civil lawsuits related to the alleged assault. One lawsuit is filed by Dr. Christopher Stellpflug and Julie Stellpflug, who claim to have been assaulted by Sonnen. The other lawsuit is from a former employee of the Four Seasons Hotel who alleges being punched by Sonnen.
More about plea deal, hotel fight case
- Las Vegas Review Journal: Source for information on Chael Sonnen’s plea deal in the hotel fight case.
- ESPN.com: Provides details on the dropped charges and lack of conditions in Sonnen’s plea deal.
- UFC: Information on Chael Sonnen’s professional background as a UFC title challenger and commentator.
- Bellator: Chael Sonnen’s current role as a press conference host for Bellator.
- BKFC: Chael Sonnen’s involvement with BKFC.
- Four Seasons Hotel: Background information on the alleged assault incident at the Four Seasons Hotel.
- YouTube: Chael Sonnen’s popular YouTube page.
- Civil Lawsuits: Details on the civil lawsuits filed against Chael Sonnen related to the alleged assault.
- ESPN Suspension: Coverage of ESPN suspending Chael Sonnen from broadcasts following the incident.
4 comments
chael sonnen reaches plea deal in hotel fight case, clearin criminal charges but still faces civil lawsuits & broadcast suspension. pleas don mess with fighters outside the cage!
glad to hear chael sonnen’s criminal case is closed. but those civil lawsuits and the broadcast suspension? that’s gonna hurt his reputation. hope he can bounce back from this setback. #ChaelSonnen
chael sonnen’s hotel fight case is a mess. dropped charges, lawsuits, and a suspension. can’t deny the guy’s got a fiery personality, but he needs to keep it in check. curious to see how this affects his career.
woah, chael sonnen got off easy with a plea deal. only fined $750 for attackin ppl at a hotel? hope he learns his lesson and stays outta trouble. #LegalConsequences