This week, news surfaced that former UFC middleweight contender Chael Sonnen had ended his retirement, and signed with Bellator MMA. Sonnen, who recently celebrated the end of his 2-year suspension, remained adamant over the course of the last 2 years that he is indeed retired.
When ‘The American Gangster’ announced that he was ending his retirement, he stated that the reason he lied about his retirement was because “heels lie”.
Following the announcement, fans began speculating as to when Sonnen would return to the cage, and who he would face when he chose to do so.
While there has been no word yet on when Sonnen would return to the Octagon, Sonnen is campaigning for a fight with former UFC champion Tito Ortiz.
I asked Chael Sonnen when and who he wants to fight first with Bellator: "The Bad Boy vs the Bad Guy in November, and that's a quote."
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) September 16, 2016
Sonnen’s Bellator debut hasn’t been set yet, but I’m told he wants to Tito Ortiz ASAP.
advertisement – continue reading below— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 16, 2016
Sonnen followed up the news with a brief statement of his own on Twitter:
The Rulers Back.
advertisement – continue reading below— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) September 16, 2016
At the time Sonnen was suspended, he was coming off a TKO loss to Rashad Evans at UFC 167. Prior to that, Sonnen picked up a spectacular 1st round submission win over Shogun Rua.