Chael Sonnen is returning to MMA as part of Bellator per an announcement late Thursday. Sonnen, 39, is signing a multi-year, multi-fight contract with the company.
The Bellator press release stated that Sonnen will compete in the 205 pound division although he states in the release that he is not limiting himself to just one division. Sonnen’s last fight was against Rashad Evans at UFC 167 in November 2013. He lost via TKO in the first round.
A press conference is set for Friday.
Payout Perspective:
Murmurs of a comeback occurred when Sonnen indicated that his name went back in the USADA testing pool as he was tested twice under UFC anti-doping policy. Sonnen can still sell a fight and he is another pickup from the UFC that Bellator hopes can still draw ratings. Certainly, Bellator’s tentpole events featuring Tito Ortiz, Stephan Bonnar, Ken Shamrock and Kimbo Slice reflect the fact that older fighters can still be attractions.
Go bellator!
Sounds like his test results were border line. UFC doesn’t need to risk anymore USADA issues and let him go to Bellator where the testing is not as stringent.
I thought you hated MMA Tops? or is it just the UFC? Anyway good signing, obviously Bellator’s LHW division has all the bigger names but I think he would have a shot at their Middleweight title.
Rampage or Wand if he beats Tito, he will probably still be tested more than on fight night if he fights in Vegas (Bellator don’t run shows there) California or New Jersey
Is it true canelo vs smith 51,000 attendance….they should hype that number in the media hahaha