Josh Rosenthal gets 37 months for conspiracy to distribute (UPDATED)

Word was that Josh Rosenthal was going to be sentenced today. And now, according to Cesar Gracie we have a final verdict:

@ufc ref Josh Rosenthal just got sentenced to 37 months federal prison for weed. Ridiculous

— Cesar Gracie (@CesarGracieBJJ) July 2, 2013

Rosenthal plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance back in April. But that didn't stop him from continuing to make the rounds in MMA, appearing on Knuckle Up, just a week before his court date and as a guest announcer for WAR MMA 1, on June 22nd. I hope he enjoyed his last few weeks before sentencing, because it sounds like they'll be his last taste of freedom for some time.

For those less good at math, Rosenthal will be spending a little over three years behind bars for his illegal marijuana growing and distribution operation. Very likely he'll be out sooner if he keeps his nose clean, but whatever the time, it's not a light sentence, especially in federal prison.

Stay tuned, as we'll be sure to keep you updated when more information becomes available.

UPDATE: MMA Fighting has confirmed the sentence along with a few extra details, including no possibility for parole.

Josh Rosenthal, a noted mixed martial arts referee who officiated several memorable UFC bouts over the course of his career, has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison, based on his guilty plea to various drug charges including conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana and possession with intent to distribute. The term is mandatory, with no possibility of parole.

The office of Senior District Judge Saundra Brown Armstrong, who sentenced Rosenthal on Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Oakland, Calif., confirmed the penalty to MMA Fighting. According to the spokesperson, Rosenthal will also face a three-year supervised release and must pay a $100 special assessment fee.