The Associated Press reports Chael Sonnen (28-14-1 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) will return to action for the first time since November 16, 2013, after signing a multiyear, multi-fight deal with Bellator.
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Sonnen fought for the UFC Middleweight Championship against Silva in the main event of UFC 117 in August 2010. The Nevada Athletic Commission suspended him for 2 years, and his ban ended in July 2016. He failed an additional drug test, testing positive for (among other things) HGH and EPO, and announced his retirement from the sport.
“I’m consistently blown away by the product and presentation that Bellator is bringing to the fans”, Sonnen said in Thursday’s press release. “Heels lie” when asked about why he retired in the first place.
After the loss, Sonnen became more polarizing after talking his way into a fight against UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones. “I’m not almost done competing and I’m coming after everyone, everywhere”.
Sherdog.com confirmed the news with a promotion official on Thursday following an initial report from The Associated Press.
When asked why he chose Bellator, Sonnen solemnly joked “Zero apostrophe S”, referring to a large financial offer.
“He has that entertainer X-factor that can’t be taught”, Coker added. He already has unfinished business with Wanderlei Silva, but also wants to fight guys like Tito Ortiz, Fedor Emelianenko and even Rory MacDonald at middleweight.
Ortiz, 41, is signed with Bellator and nicknamed “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy”. Sonnen himself said that he was “basically clean.” “These are all fights that I’d be very inclined to watch, so hopefully we can put some, if not all of these match-ups together starting before the end of the year”.
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Sonnen believes he can jump back into competition quickly. Everything is fine. I’ve had some personal bests.
