Chael Sonnen Returns To MMA, Signs With Bellator

Chael Sonnen hasn’t fought since losing to Rashad Evans at UFC 167 back on November 16, 2013. The former middleweight and light heavyweight title contender retired from mixed martial arts in 2014 after failing multiple drug tests. Well, it appears the 39-year-old will be headed back to MMA, as he has reportedly signed a deal with Bellator.

Chael Sonnen has signed to fight with Bellator MMA, according to the Associated Press. More coming to @mmafighting shortly.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 16, 2016

Sonnen (29-14-1) is known for his brash, trash-talking style and several high-profile, entertaining fights. He twice lost to Anderson Silva in fights for the UFC middleweight title, and was also TKO’d by Jon Jones in a bout for the UFC light heavyweight championship.

Sonnen is a controversial figure due to his past history of failed drug tests and a conviction for money laundering. That said, he’s a popular personality because of his ability to hype fights with trash talk and a cerebral approach to the sport that has made him an excellent commentator.

His first fight with Bellator will be highly anticipated.