Sonnen files request for appeal

Middleweight Chael Sonnen has filed a written request for appeal in front of the California State Athletic Commission following his suspension for elevated levels of testosterone in the wake of an Aug. 7 fight against UFC champion Anderson Silva, SI.com has learned.

CSAC executive director George Dodd confirmed that Sonnen (24-11-1) and his representatives submitted the appeal last week and asked for documents related to the Los Angeles drug testing laboratory that produced positive results on Sept. 2 and Sept. 14.

Dodd said those documents should be compiled and delivered within a week or two, and that pending approval by the commission chair, the appeal is likely to be heard Dec. 2 in Sacramento, Calif.

Sonnen nearly handed Silva his first loss since the Brazilian joined the UFC in 2006. The Oregonian, who has remained silent following news of his positive test for steroids, pushed Silva (26-4) into the fifth round of their championship bout in Oakland, Calif., before succumbing to a triangle choke and tapping out with 2:10 remaining in the fight.

Sonnen, 33, faces a yearlong suspension and a $2,500 fine.