Republican UFC Fighter Chael Sonnen withdraws from Oregon Senate Race

In an earlier post I wrote about rising MMA star Chael Sonnen. Influential RadioTalker, Mark Levin had endorsed Chael both as a fighter and champion for Conservatism, interviewing him on his run for office and recent victory at UFC 109.

In breaking news, Chael has unfortunately had to withdraw from his Senate bid after a legal issue surfaced which threatened to disrupt his campaign. This will not affect Sonnen's day job, he is still on track for the fight of his life as the #1 contender against popular Middleweight champion, Anderson Silva at UFC 117.

Chael Sonnen Announces Withdrawal From Oregon Senate Race
Chael Sonnen plans to withdraw from the Oregon senate race, according to statements made Tuesday and reported by FIGHT! Magazine.

Running unopposed last month, Sonnen won the Republican primaries in Oregon's House District 37, earning him a bid for an Oregon House of Representatives seat against Democratic nominee Will Rasmussen in the general elections this November.

According to Sonnen, the resignation was not due to his his preparations for a title shot against Anderson Silva at UFC 117 in August, nor was it because of recent controversy stemming from his "fake" Twitter account, but instead, a "legal issue."

"In the best interests of my district, I am resigning from my campaign for the Oregon House of Representatives," Sonnen said in a statement. "A 2006 legal issue has arisen that needs my immediate attention. I am not at liberty to disclose the details, but my name was involved in a real estate case that requires a ruling. If the ruling is adverse, I would be disqualified from running for office until 2011.

With this news it seems Chael's official campaign website votesonnen.com has been deactivated, though this may only be temporary.