Earlier this month, former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen announced that he was ending his retirement, and had already signed an exclusive, multi-fight deal with Bellator MMA.
Sonnen, who recently celebrated the end of his 2-year suspension handed to him by the NSAC, remained adamant throughout the course of his suspension that he was indeed retired. However, when it was announced that ‘The American Gangster’ had signed with Bellator MMA, Sonnen told reporters that the reason he lied about his retirement was because ‘bad guys lie’.
Back in March, it was also announced that the UFC had released MMA legend Wanderlei Silva. Shortly after that announcement, it was revealed that Bellator MMA had signed Silva.
Now, with Sonnen and Silva both signed to Bellator MMA, it appears as though Silva is looking to finally get into the cage with Sonnen.
The pair were initially slated to fight several years ago after coaching opposite each other on TUF Brazil. During the filming of the season, Sonnen and Silva were involved in an on-set brawl. Before the pair were able to meet inside the Octagon however, Silva was pulled from the fight for failing to apply for a license, and Sonnen was suspended for 2 years for a failed drug test.
During the course of Sonnen’s suspension, he maintained that he would still like to fight Silva, but that he would honor the NSAC’s suspension. As a result, a grappling match between the pair was briefly discussed, however nothing ever materialized.
With both men out of retirement, and signed to Bellator, could we finally see these two veterans square off inside the cage?