Chael Sonnen announced his return to professional MMA on Thursday as he shared news that he signed a two-year deal with Bellator, the UFC’s biggest competitor.
The news comes as a surprise because Sonnen said in 2014 that he had retired. But Sonnen’s retirement announcement was more likely the result of his third failed drug test, which led to a two-year suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission. That suspension ended in July, which opened up a new opportunity for Sonnen. The American Gangster took advantage of the opportunity and signed with Bellator.
As for a first opponent, Sonnen told the AP’s Greg Beacham that he is eyeing Tito Ortiz in November.
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
Ortiz, 41, is signed with Bellator and nicknamed “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy.”
