SONNEN RETURNS TO ACTION WITH MULTI-FIGHT DEAL

One of the greatest – and most controversial – names in MMA comes out of his retirement.


The Associated Press revealed late Thursday that Chael Sonnen (28-14-1 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) would get back into action for the first time since Nov. 16, 2013, after agreeing to a multiyear, multi-fight contract with Bellator.

The promotion later verified the news, saying Sonnen is going to contend in its light heavyweight division. While he was in the UFC, Sonnen twice fought for the middleweight trophy, losing twice to then-champ Anderson Silva, and also fought for the 205-pound title then retained by Jon Jones. He ended up losing all three fights by stoppage.

“I’m consistently mesmerized by the product and presentation that Bellator is delivering to the fans,” Sonnen stated. “I’m on no account done competing, and I’m coming after every person, everywhere. I’m not attaching to one weight class either. I fight at ‘Gangster Weight,’ and no one is safe.”

Bellator President Scott Coker made Sonnen his newest high-profile signing of a former UFC fighter to a list that features former UFC lightweight champ Benson Henderson, Rory MacDonald and Phil Davis.

Coker confirmed that Chael is an amazing athlete that has competed at the very highest levels of the game. He knows that Sonnen is going to continue to do exactly that at Bellator. He pointed out that in the process of their negotiation, Chael was adamant that he desires to compete in three divisions.

Sonnen, 39, retired from the sport after a short coaching career the UFC flagship show “The Ultimate Fighter.” He was slated to meet rival trainer Wanderlei Silva at UFC 175 following the season, but Silva was withdrawn from the bout after avoiding a Nevada State Athletic Commission drug test. Sonnen was then fixed to face Vitor Belfort at the event. It was however announced he had failed multiple drug tests.