Breaking: Chael Sonnen Ends Retirement, Signs Multi-Fight Deal With Bellator
The wait is over.
Former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight title challenger ‘The Bad Guy’ Chael Sonnen has decided to come out of retirement and once again compete in mixed martial arts (MMA), but this time he’ll be competing under the Bellator banner.
Sonnen told the associated press that he has signed a multiyear, multi-fight deal with Scott Coker and Bellator. When asked why he lied about having no interest in returning to the sport after being asked multiple times over the years, ‘The Bad Guy’ had this to say:
“I’m a heel. Heels lie.”
Sonnen is expected to discuss his signing with the organization in a conference call tomorrow afternoon according to MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani:
Sonnen, the newest member of the Bellator roster, is expected to talk to the press tomorrow afternoon via conference call. What a year.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 16, 2016
ESPN’s Brett Okamoto also reported that UFC President Dana White has confirmed that the UFC granted Sonnen’s release in order for him to sign with Bellator:
Dana White confirms UFC recently signed Chael Sonnen's release.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) September 16, 2016
As for Sonnen’s first opponent in Bellator, early reports suggest ‘The Bad Guy’ has former UFC champ Tito Ortiz on his radar for his debut bout:
Sonnen’s Bellator debut hasn’t been set yet, but I’m told he wants to Tito Ortiz ASAP.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 16, 2016
Sonnen took to Twitter to comment on his signing with Bellator, and he did it in only three words:
The Rulers Back.
— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) September 16, 2016
We’ll keep you updated as we learn more….
