ONE OF THE most popular figures in mixed martial arts is about to make his return, but not where fans might have expected.
Chael Sonnen (29-14-1), the charismatic former UFC middleweight and light-heavyweight title challenger, has signed a multi-fight deal with Bellator.
The 39-year-old ‘American Gangster’ has surprisingly been released by the UFC to move to the rival organisation, with a comeback bout against former UFC light-heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz rumoured for 19 November.
Sonnen hasn’t fought since a first-round TKO defeat to Rashad Evans in November 2013. The Oregon native has just finished serving a two-year suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission for failing multiple drug tests in 2014.
According to Bellator president Scott Coker, Sonnen is keen to compete in three separate weight classes — middleweight, light-heavyweight and heavyweight.
“Chael is an incredible athlete that has competed at the very highest levels of the sport and I know that he is going to continue to do just that here at Bellator,” Coker said.
“When we were signing him, Chael was adamant that he wants to compete in three divisions here. He already has unfinished business with Wanderlei Silva, but he also wants to fight guys like Tito Ortiz, Fedor Emelianenko and even Rory MacDonald at middleweight.
“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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While Sonnen’s days as a legitimate title contender at UFC level have more than likely passed, the return of such a polarising figure would undoubtedly have been a lucrative occasion for Dana White and the organisation.
Sonnen’s move is yet another coup — in terms of publicity and exposure — for Bellator, who have added some big names to their roster in recent months, including ex-UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson and former UFC welterweight title challenger Rory MacDonald.
Credited with being MMA’s original trash-talker, UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor has often been likened to Sonnen, who has previously worked as a broadcaster with the likes of FOX Sports and ESPN. He also hosts his own very popular podcast — ‘You’re Welcome’ — and has recently commentated for the World Series of Fighting promotion.
Sonnen holds notable victories over the likes of Yushin Okami, Brian Stann, Nate Marquardt and current UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping. However, he came up short in three separate UFC title bouts — against Anderson Silva (twice) for the middleweight strap and against Jon Jones for the light-heavyweight title.
H/T: MMAFighting.com
